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The American Revolutionary War starts as Paul Revere rides his horse warning colonists of the arrival of the British. By alerting the colonial militia, Paul Revere's midnight ride is seen as a pivotal moment in American history. His announcement provided the colonists time to prepare for the following battle, Lexington and Concord. -
The first battle of the American Revolutionary War, British troops set out for Boston to capture Samuel Adams and John Hancock and destroy the American arsenal. But with Paul Revere's warning, the colonists were able to prepare, resulting in a victory and British retreat as the colonists fought off the British. -
British forces, led by General William Howe, captured Bunker Hill in an attempt to control Boston's seaport and gain a tactical advantage. With the British decision to take both Bunker and Breed's Hill, Americans were informed of this and ready to defend the hills, led by Colonel William Prescott. Although the Americans fell short, they suffered fewer casualties than the British, about 226 dead. As a result of the battle, more colonists joined the army, increasing its resilience and strength. -
In 1776, after a year of war between the United States and Britain, the Second Continental Congress decided to declare independence. A committee, including Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson, was formed to write the Declaration of Independence. The final version was adopted on July 4, 1776, marking the United States' independence. -
Thomas Paine, an author and former soldier of the Revolutionary War, wrote a series of articles throughout the war. The articles highlight Paine's support for an independent and self-governing America through the severe crisis of the war, George Washington found Paine's writings to be inspiring, demanding they be read to his soldiers before crossing the Delaware River to Trenton, heightening their confidence and resilience. -
On December 25, 1776, George Washington led the Continental Army and miraculously crossed the Delaware River into New Jersey under such harsh conditions. The Americans would gain another advantage as the British and Hessian soldiers in Trenton were unprepared for their arrival. -
With yet again another advantage, George Washington and his army arrived. The Hessians were unprepared for their attack, leading them to surrender. Casualties were low, with the Americans suffering two soldiers, and the Hessians suffering twenty-two. -
On September 3, 1777, British and Revolutionary forces came into conflict with each other on Cooch's Bridge, igniting the Philadelphia Campaign or also known as the Battles of Philadelphia. The battles took place over several months forming the Philadelphia campaign, designed to gain control of Philadelphia, which the British ultimately did. -
The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War, resulting in the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. The British attempt to gain control of the Hudson River Valley led the Americans to take action. Led by Major General Horatio Gates as well as Generals Benedict Arnold and Benjamin Lincoln, the Americans were able to secure the victory, and convinced France to enter the war, providing them military aid. -
George Washington chose to camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, during the harsh winter for its strategic advantages. Unfortunately, the conditions were severe; soldiers faced hunger and lacked proper clothing to withstand the cold. The overcrowded cabins also led to disease, resulting in the deaths of 2,500 men by spring. -
The last greatest battle of the war, ending in the surrender of the British Army, influenced the British government to consider a peace treaty. Greatly surrounded by French and American troops, the Americans bombarded the British. British General Cornwallis signed the British surrender. This document was called the Articles of Capitulation. This opened the door for the Treaty of Paris. -
The official peace treaty between the United States and Britain ended the war. The treaty was negotiated in Paris, where it gets its name, by Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams. The treaty recognized that the 13 colonies would be freed from the British and become independent states. The second point was the allowance for western expansion. Around a year and a half later, King George finally ratified the Treaty of Paris.