The winter was bleak at Valley Forge for the Americans and they were in just as poor spirits in the beginning. Hessian forces under the command of Steuben came to Valley Forge and began to train the American troops. Until then, they had little real training and were without a doubt amateurs. The troops for the first time experienced real military discipline and training and left Valley Forge with a renewed purpose and spirit because of this and Washington's leadership as well.