.One of the great stories in American history was the winter of 1777-1778, when George Washington and the American Continental Army endured harsh conditions at camp in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. With inadequate shelter, the soldiers suffered greatly from the cold. With great shortages of food, many soldiers were weak and died of disease.

The army was unable to obtain additional quantities of food because there was a shortage of food in the surrounding towns, villages, and countryside.

Give the most likely explanation (in economic terms) for why there was a shortage of food in the winter of 1777-1778. (This is not a research question - use your knowledge and understanding of the concepts we have been studying to identify what could cause a shortage and how. For purposes of this question, the historical accuracy of your answer does not matter.)