Final answer:
George Washington led the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, employing strategic retreats and suffering through harsh conditions, including a tough winter at Valley Forge. Congressional support and training by Baron von Steuben were key in sustaining the army against the advancing and strategically adept British forces who captured key territories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Revolutionary War was a time of cunning strategies and harsh conditions for the Continental Army led by George Washington. One significant strategy was Washington's retreat from Brooklyn Heights, which was a calculated move to elude capture by British forces. This retreat followed a pattern of engagements where the British, under General Howe, often had the upper hand but missed crucial opportunities to end the rebellion, such as after their victory on Long Island.
The British were successful in capturing territories like New York City and Philadelphia, despite American efforts. Winter at Valley Forge highlighted the struggle of the American forces, with severe shortages and hard conditions leading to disease and desertion. Congress's support with essential supplies like food and clothing was critical, as depicted in the first part of the question.
This period also saw the transformation of the Continental Army into a more professional fighting force, in part thanks to the training provided by Prussian military officer Baron von Steuben. The British, on the other hand, utilized their control over strategic locations, such as New York City as a base, employing strategies to outflank and engage American forces effectively.