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Battle of Lexington and Concord
The battle that started the Revolutionary War began in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775. Paul Revere warned Americans of the British coming for their supplies. Due to a lamplight signal, Captain John Parker and his militia stopped the British at Lexington. Parker was wounded and eight men died. The British went to Concord and destroyed the supplies, then retreated because 4,000 men fired at them. The phrase "shot heard around the world" is about the first shot fired at Lexington. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill started on June 17th, 1775, with the British forces fighting the American colonists over land ownership. The Battle of Bunker Hill was during the first stage of the American Revolutionary War and, though it's named after Bunker Hill, the battle was mostly fought on Breed's Hill. Though they sustained twice as many casualties than the Americans, the battle ended with British victory. After the battle, the Americans returned to the Boston border. -
The Creation of the Declaration of Independence
Though Jefferson was the one who drafted the piece, he wasn't recognized as the original author of the Declaration of Independence. The Continental Congress soon adopted the Declaration of Independence after Jefferson drafted it. After it was written on July 4, 1776, with the document stating the Americans desire for independence, the 13 colonies separated themselves from Great Britain's control. -
The American Crisis
During the time where the British won every major battle and the rebellion seemed at a loss, Thomas Paine wrote multiple essays called the "American Crisis". The writing, written on December 19, 1776, strengthened the confidence and renewed optimism within the Americans. This led Washington to lead his army to victory at both Trenton and Princeton, turning the tides toward the favour of the Americas. Paine wrote "The American Crisis" between 1776 to 1783, ending with 13 pamphlets. -
Crossing of the Delaware River
On Christmas 1776, George Washington planned on crossing the Delaware River. He knew this surprise attack would secure the win the Continental Army needed. The ambush was well thought out by George Washington. He knew the ambush was the only way he could beat the Hessians, a group of German troops hired by the British. After persevering through crossing the Delaware River, Washington led his army to Trenton, where he won a major victory for the Continental Army. -
Battle of Trenton
After losing two battles in late 1776, the Continental Army's confidence waned and General Washington fled to Pennsylvania with his reduced army. By December, they huddled by the Delaware River asThomas Paine’sThe American Crisis was passed around them, renewing their belief. On December 25, 1776, Washington led his men across the Delaware River to attack the Hessians in Trenton. After this victory, they won in Princeton a week later, showing Washington's leadership. -
The Battle of Philadelphia
The Battle of Philadelphia started in 1777 when a British military campaign was sent to take control of Philadelphia; the capital during the Revolutionary era. Philadelphia is where the Continental Congress made the Continental Army and agreed to have George Washington as the commander. This is also where they wrote and adopted the Declaration of Independence, escalating the war. The French soon joined the battle and sided with America, causing the British to flee Philadelphia in June 1778. -
Battles of Saratoga
In 1777, the British attacked New York. General John Burgoyne and his men lost the Battle of Bennington and retreated to Saratoga. Previously, at Bemis Heights, General Horatio Gates built a defense. On September 19, the two armies battled. After great losses, Burgoyne's men dug trenches to wait for reinforcements. None came. They launched a failed attack on October 7. Burgoyne surrendered ten days later. The victory led France and the United states to sign a treaty against Britain. -
The Battle of Valley Forge
On December 19th, 1777, 12,000 soldiers and 400 women and children built Valley Forge; the largest city in its time. The town was soon filled with American troops during the winter of 1777-1778. Diseases like influenza and typhoid spread throughout the camp. There was never a battle, but nearly 2,000 people were killed due to diseases. Valley Forge was also the encampment of the Continental Army, which was led by General George Washington during the American Revolutionary War. -
Battle of Yorktown
In May 1781, General Lord Cornwallis moved his army to Petersburg and faced American troops. Cornwallis then fled to Yorktown and fortified it. George Washington ordered Lafayette to block Cornwallis’s land escape. Washington’s troopsthen joined the French and blockaded Cornwallis's forces with a fleet, trapping them. On October 19, Washington's Franco-American troops overcame the British defences and Cornwallis surrendered. This ended the Revolutionary War with American success. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolution by recognizing U.S. independence and granting vast western territory. It also created peace between Britain and France, Spain, and the Netherlands. At first, Britain denied U.S. independence, but Lord Shelburne recognized it in July 1782. A treaty between Britain and the U.S. was signed on November 30, 1782 with another ending all combat signed on January 20, 1783. The U.S. Confederation Congress validated the agreement on September 3, 1783.