By December of 1776, it appeared the war was over. The mighty, well-funded British war machine had chased the Continental Army out of New York and New Jersey into Pennsylvania. The cause was hopeless. The imperial power was just too strong.
But the Americans still had some advantages. They had a clear war aim; the British did not. Patriot politicians still ran most of the new states. And the British had neither the resources nor the will to occupy the entire country. Washington won battles at Trenton and Princeton, his army remained in being, and the war went on.
Something for Trump to consider as he plans his next move in Iran.