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Battle of Lexington & Concord
This Massachusetts battle was the first of the revolutionary war. After Paul Revere and other men warned about the British arrival, Americans prepared and were at a standoff with the British. Someone fired (Known as "the shot heard 'round the world") and the war began. The Americans won. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The second battle of the revolution, this battle showed the British that the colonists were stronger than they expected and this war was not going to be an easy victory. The British did win, but it was a long and difficult battle despite their 2-1 advantage. -
Battle of Long Island
In this battle, Israel Putnam was sent to slow down the British while George Washington attempted to take Manhattan. He failed, and the colonists were driven out of New York. The British won while the Americans suffered a heavy loss. -
Battle of Trenton and Princeton
This battle was a major turning point in the revolution. Location: New Jersey. George Washington traveled across the Delaware River in the night with his army. They charged the Hessians and British by surprise, as the British were off for the winter and it was dark outside. The Americans quickly won, with 100 Hessians killed and 900 captured, along with 500 British dead. After this battle, the Americans were re-energized for the revolution. -
Battle of Saratoga
Another major point in the revolution, this "battle" was actually two battles. Location: New York. The British were confronted with a militia, and were met with force. General John Burgoyne was eventually forced to surrender. The Americans won! This battle also convinced the French to support the Americans, which would become a major factor in winning the war. -
Bon Homme Richard vs. Serapis
This was a naval battle between The Bon Homme Richard (American) and the Serapis (British). The captain of the Bon Homme Richard, John Paul Jones, used an unorthodox strategy that allowed him to win the battle, although he almost lost. When asked if he would surrender, he famously said "I have not yet begun to fight!" He eventually won and captured the soldiers and supplies on the Serapis, along with the ship itself. -
Battle of Charleston
This battle (in Charles Town, South Carolina) was a major defeat for the Americans. Lt. Campbell and his army rushed the city of Charles Town, and destroyed the American forces there. The British won, and took control of South Carolina. -
Battle of Vincennes
Located in Indiana, this battle was major in the war. A small American force was able to take Fort Sackville under the command of George Rogers Clark. This American victory secured the western frontier for America. -
Battle of Guilford Courthouse
(North Carolina) The British, under Cornwallis, attacked Guilford Courthouse and fought off the colonial defenses, despite their many casualties. The British won, but they lost over 600 men and eventually left the area. -
Battle of Yorktown
(Virginia) This was the final battle of the American Revolution. After several days of fighting with American land forces and French naval forces, Cornwallis surrendered. The Americans had won! Later, The Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the war and establishing the United States of America.
