Becoming A Soldier DBQ Essay

Maj. Chris Faris talked about was the affect that war had on his and his daughter’s relationship. The talk he had with his daughter allowed him to see the pain and hurt that comes from him being away at performing his military duty. His daughter, now 118 years old, reminded him of the last time he was home for her birthday, which at that time she was 10 years old. Each time he was only home for 2 months at a time; this made it difficult for him to have a positive relationship with his wife and children.

In December of 1777, American General George Washington and his men took shelter at Valley Forge for the winter. It was 18 miles northwest of the British camp in Philadelphia, and Washington thought it was a perfect spot. But that was not the case for the soldiers. The soldiers had it rough, and many did not want to enlist for the army after. Today, many people wonder if they would stay with George Washington, or not enlist and go home back to their families.

Post World War II, soldiers were largely embraced by society, celebrated as heroes. Many veterans did not shroud their war stories but reflected on them with a mix of nostalgia and melancholy. Corporal Walter Gordon exemplified this sentiment when he described the war's profound impact, saying, "It had the most awesome effect... I'm incredibly lucky that I got through it and even more fortunate that I was with this group of outstanding men." (Ambrose, 118).

I did not re-enlist because of brutal conditions, sickness, and very little food. I could not re-enlist because those three factors were essential to surviving a harsh winter during a very hard war. “ The devil is in it,” ( Waldo 151). Valley Forge was a brutal, sick, and starving winter camp. Some soldiers told me at camp that George Washington did not care for his soldiers.

Valley Forge is a winter camp led by George Washington to train troops, and to win the Revolutionary war. I wouldn’t want to quit Valley Forge because I would want to fight for freedom for my country. In document A by: Noel F. Buch and researchers at William Clements Library of University of Michigan. It shows that you have to work hard to survive, and fight for your country. Less than ¼ of the people died out of 8000 people.

My first reason for staying would be a painting where George Washington is presenting the Congressional Congress to the soldiers at Valley Forge. (Doc. B) In this painting, George Washington seems to be giving an inspirational speech to the soldiers. George probably brought the Congressional Congees there to bring up the soldiers

Valley Forge was a winter camp for Washington’s soldiers. During this time many died and got sick, but they also trained and got stronger as an army. Even though the colonists had a rough time at Valley Forge, I would have stayed. First off, in the engraving by William Henry Powell, Washington presented his soldiers to the Congressional Committee. Washington is telling the Committee about how he trained the colonists while at Valley Forge.

Without many of the brave men reenlisting we do not have as many people that can help to fight the evil power taking over our country. Many of the other men may not last much longer but I can do anything if it is to defend my country in this war. General Washington has much more than an inspiration to all of us and has given us the courage to go through these miserable and terrible time. With an extra set of hands I can help in this war with medical assistance to ensure that more men may fight for America. I am fighting for my freedom, and not only for my family but for the other brave men who have given their lives to ensure that we can have the rights that have always had and that our country is safe.

With all of these soul-shattering, life-changing conditions, it is less of a war and more of a test of strength for the soldiers, here at Valley Forge. Some men were going home and not returning. Other men just completely deserted. Even George Washington’s position was uncertain, the members of congress didn’t trust him. Life at Valley Forge was obviously horrible, and the ugly truth is that it wouldn’t get much better.

Why I Didn’t Stay At Valley Forge Ayush Zalawadia Winter of 1777, Valley Forge was a refuge for many soldiers like me. After retreating from Howe’s army, General Washington along with the half the Continental army had set up base for three months. The small camp with few necessities was 18 miles away from Pennsylvania. The camp was a snow covered area, with small wood lodges that were not ventilated, no meat, low food supply, tattered clothes and shoes, and injuries from walking. Consider being surrounded with all of theses atrocious circumstances, then ask yourself, would you stay at Valley Forge?

In the winter, Washington took his troops to Valley Forge, which was 18 miles from Philadelphia. At this time, Valley Forge was a difficult place to live for the Patriots. It was a struggle but if I were a Patriot in Valley Forge fighting for Washington’s Army, I wouldn’t quit. I won’t quit for three big reasons; yes I know there were a lot of sick soldiers but not as much as dying soldiers, another thing is the conditions were horrible, but there were many brave soldiers who stuck with it, and stayed with Washington, lastly I do not want to be a “summer soldier” because freedom is valuable so it is worth fighting for.

"I say we make our deaths count for something" ( Evans 287) . Not only was this impervious group of friends loyal to each other, but to their beliefs too. Even if they did not live to see the glory and celebration of their win, they could die happy, as it was understood that what they fought for was

I don’t really enjoy picking fights, or committing any acts of violence. Truthfully, if I got into any type of conflict, my lanky body would probably give up on me halfway. That’s what my wife told me after I said I was going to be joining the US armed forces. “Mark, are you an idiot? You can’t even walk without limping, how will you serve our country?!”

The soldiers were inadequately trained and lacked ammunition, food, and other provisions. They sometimes even went without clothing and went barefoot in the winter. However, General Washington was able to give them direction and encourage them to persevere. The common soldier would prove important.

The same saying could be interperated in this situation for the American soldiers. “Small children who will play with you, old men with their talk, women who offer chai- / and any one of them may dance over your body tomorrow” (25-28). This quote shows that even though some people may seem innocent and easy to befriend, it is incognizant if they will rejoice over their death tomorrow. In the war zone, it is unkown. Soldiers are unaware of what could happen, or what the Midde Eastern people are going to do.