Final answer:
The Americans faced significant losses in the fighting before July of 1776, including the loss of New York City and other setbacks, before the tide began to turn later in the war.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fighting before July of 1776 did not generally go well for the Americans during the Revolutionary War. The conflict began with a somewhat accidental shot at Lexington, and despite some successes, many battles resulted in significant losses for the Continental Army under George Washington. Significant losses were faced, including the loss of New York City to the British, which then served as their military headquarters. Without a professional army early on, the Americans struggled against the British forces, although the tide began to turn with strategic victories and the transformative training at Valley Forge, plus the entry of France into the conflict after the Battle of Saratoga.