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Paul Revere's Ride
At the first signs of movement of the British troops, Paul Revere rode throughout present day Somerville, Medford, and Arlington, warning colonists along the way. This was a highly significant moment in the American Revolution because it was a symbol of the beginning, and to this day remains a legendary and iconic story that everyone knows. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the American Revolution. The British declared Massachusetts to be a rebellious state after they formed their own, separate government to train militia without British consent. 700 British troops were sent to capture and destroy the colonial military supplies, and the first shot was fired. 8 colonial troops were killed, but only 1 British soldier. Eventually both forces fell back. This was significant because it was the first battle. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
When the colonists heard that the British planned to send troops to the surrounding unoccupied hills of Boston, they occupied Bunker and Breed's Hill on June 13. On June 17, the British attacked the colonial forces. After two battles there were significant British casualties, but the third attack caused the colonists to run out of ammunition and to retreat. Although they lost, this gave the colonists a confidence boost because they were able to significantly wound the British army. -
Creation of the Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted The Declaration of Independence. It stated that the colonies were no longer under British rule, and were 13 independent states. This was perhaps the most important moment in the American Revolution, since it officially separated the colonies from Britain and was the first official step towards freedom that the colonies made. -
Thomas Paine's writing of "The American Crisis"
These were a series of pamphlets by philosopher Thomas Paine. They were intended to inspire the colonists to fight for their freedom in the Revolutionary War, by highlighting what was at stake and why negotiated peace was not an option. They were important because they called the colonists to action. -
Crossing of the Delaware River
On December 25-26,1777, Washington led his army across the Delaware River for a surprise attack on the Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. They defeated the troops of Johann Rall, and crossed back over the river into Pennsylvania. This was a significant moment because Washington utilized unique battle strategies to outsmart the enemy. -
Battles of Saratoga
The Battles of Saratoga began on September 19th, 1777. British General John Burgoyne led a huge army southward from Canada, hoping to meet two more British armies marching from New York and Lake Ontario. However, they never arrived, and Burgoyne was overwhelmed by American troops. After fighting two small battles, he retreated to Saratoga, where he surrendered on October 7, 1777. This battle is considered a turning point for the Revolutionary War, since the colonists won two crucial victories. -
The Battle of Philadelphia
When General Howe began planning his attack and capture of Philadelphia, Washington set up defensive positions. However, Howe outsmarted Washington by sending two unexpected armies and the continental army was forced to retreat. This battle was significant because instead of just a general battle, the British tried to take one of our capitals. -
Battle of Trenton
After Washington's army crossed the Delaware river, they fought and won two battles, including defeating a large army of Hessian mercenaries. This was an important battle psychologically because it made the colonists feel that they could win the war. -
The Winter at Valley Forge
After the British captured Philadelphia (which was our capital at the time), George Washington led his army of 12,000 troops into winter quarters at Valley Forge. They remained there for 6 months, until June 19, 1778. During this time, they suffered a loss of supplies, and about 1700-2000 soldiers died from disease. This showed that the army could stick together despite harsh circumstances. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was a victory won by the combined forces of Washington's army and a French army led by Comte de Rochambeau. They fought against a British army led by Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis. This battle was important because it was the last major battle of the American Revolution. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was a peace treaty signed by representatives of both the British and the Americans. This was an important moment because it ended the American Revolutionary War. Britain acknowledged America's independence, U.S. boundaries were established, and the British empire in America was destroyed.
