British Occupation of Philadelphia

The Conflict

Prelude

General William Howe's British forces took control of the city of Philadelphia in September of 1777 after General Washington's forces failed to prevent the move at the Battle of Brandywine Creek. Philadelphia was an important city for either side to control, as it housed the Continental Congress. Fortunately, Congress had received a warning about the impending British attack and were able to relocate without mishap.

Outcome

The British would remain in Philadelphia until the spring of 1778. This would please Loyalists who were happy to live under British control. However, the need to house, feed, and keep warm so many soldiers throughout the winter would lead to shortages in food, clothing, and firewood for both the army and the civilians in the city. These shortages were not helped by the fact that Washington's army remained not too far away, camped for the winter at Valley Forge.

Shortages were also not helped by Howe's need for entertainment and pageantry. Plays were performed weekly, dinner parties were common, and Howe's officers put on a spectacular celebration for him when he reigned in April 1778, despite the shortages that plagued the city.

Aftermath

The long-term impact of the various food and supply shortages would be felt for some time. It was still being felt when Washington appointed Benedict Arnold to control the city with strict instructions from Congress about how that should be done. This led to civilians despising him and him running into several issues, which possibly contributed to his eventual defection to the British side.

Included under Conflict

The American Revolution

Battlefield Type

Land

Start Date

September 26, 1777

Ending Date

June 18, 1778

Location

Philadelphia

Sources:

• British Occupation of Philadelphia (The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia)

• British Abandon Philadelphia (History)

• Se also: the bibliography on my website