Spain (in 1779) and the Dutch (1780)…
1778 CE
The American theater will thus become only one front in Britain's war.
The British will be forced to withdraw troops from continental America to reinforce the valuable sugar-producing Caribbean colonies, which were more lucrative to British investors.
British commander Sir Henry Clinton evacuates Philadelphia and returns to New York City.
General Washington intercepts Clinton in the Battle of Monmouth Court House, the last major battle fought in the north.
After an inconclusive engagement, the British successfully retreat to New York City.
The northern war will subsequently become a stalemate, as the focus of attention shifts to the smaller southern theater.