Over the winter of 1775-76, the Ministry in Britain decides to use overwhelming force to put an end to colonial resistance. The King refuses to receive the Olive Branch Petition and makes clear that he supports Parliament in this fight and calls for the use of force to suppress colonial treason. He also starts recruiting German speaking mercenaries to supplement the British Army. The ministry also dumps General Gage and Secretary Dartmouth, replacing them with General Howe and Secretary Germain. The ministry also implements a blockade of North America.
Meanwhile France begins to pay attention to the rebellion. It sends its first unofficial envoy to Philadelphia to see if it makes sense to provide some covert assistance.
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ARP160 Paoli Massacre & Fall of Philadelphia
ARP159 Battle of the Clouds
ARP158 Battle of Brandywine
ARP157 British Landing and Cooch's Bridge
ARP156 The Siege of Fort Henry
Episode 155 The Battle of Bennington
Episode 154 John Stark Raises an Army
Episode 153 Staten Island and Setauket
Episode 152 Fort Stanwix and Oriskany
Episode 151 The St. Leger Expedition
Episode 150 Howe Leaves New York
Episode 149 Lafayette Comes to America
Episode 148 Murder of Jane McCrea
Episode 147 Kidnapping General Prescott
Episode 146 Battle of Hubbardton
Episode 145 Retreat from Ticonderoga
Episode 144 Defense of Fort Ticonderoga
Episode 143 Burgoyne's Northern Army
Episode 142 Disease and the Revolution
Episode 141 Congress Returns to Philadelphia
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