Question

What event did the British think would divide the colonies and shatter their morale?

Answer 1

The event that the British thought  would divide the colonies and shatter their morale was through the invasion of New York at Lake Champlain and then proceed down the Hudson River to New York City. The British had determination to make 1777 the year to end the war and destroy the new nation. They planned an invasion on upper New York by way of Lake Champlain and later proceed down the Hudson River to New York City.

Answer 2

What event did the British think would divide the colonies and shatter their morale?

invading New York at Lake Champlain and proceeding down the Hudson River to New York City