-
Battle of Concord
The first shots are heard although it is unknown as to which side shot. This along with the battle of Lexington set the stage for the Revolutionary War. It was the first victory for the rebels. -
Period: to
American Revolution
-
Guerilla Tactics (No Specific Date/Month)
Methods used by the Patriots that allowed them to perform surprise attacks on the British. It is significant because it broke away from the traditional ways of war which consisted of men lined up and shooting at one another. These tactics can still be seen in use today as well as back in the Vietnam War. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
It was the Revolutionary War’s first large and important battle. Contrary to its name, the fighting mainly took place at Breed’s Hill. This was a victory for the British. -
Native American Involvment (No Specific Date/Month)
Not all, but some Native Americans were allies to the British. Since the British were at a major disadvantage by having to fight on a vast expanse of foreign territory, Native scouts were used to help the British navigate. -
General George Washington (No Specific Date/Month)
He was a key part to the Patriots winning the war. From the beginning, middle, and end he led troops and guided them. He even took a leap in allowing inoculation to be performed on his troops when a smallpox epidemic broke out. -
British Takeover of New York
About 500 ships carrying 35,000 men were on their way to New York. The large fleet proved to be too much for the rebel army. At first the rebels were forced out of Long Island and gradually the British gained more ground. The Patriots were easily defeated and forced to flee to nearby New Jersey. This was by far one of the most important events and strongest attacks by the British in the Revolutionary War. -
Inoculation (No Specific Date)
General George Washington gave the go for military surgeons to perform inoculation on soldiers before they became completely infected with the smallpox disease. The trials were a success and eventually smallpox was no longer a problem for the Patriots. -
Battle of Saratoga
It is significant because of the British surrender during this battle after their imminent defeat. This paved the way for France to join the war and created a major advantage for the Americans. -
Bayonets (No Specific Date)
A musket with a spear attached to the end of it. It allowed for hand to hand combat with the British and changed the way fighting took place in war. -
Period: to
Valley Forge
The circumstances at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania were not looking bright. After a harsh winter, Washington’s men were low on food supply and proper clothing. To make matters worse for Washington and his troops, there was an outbreak of disease. -
Treaty of Alliance
France and America signed the Treaty of Alliance which meant France would be aiding the rebels in the war if an attack was made on the Americans. This was a major turning point considering France and England’s disputes during the French and Indian War. Britain’s own colonies were now fighting against them with Britain’s enemy. -
General Von Steuben Aid
Leader who came into Valley Forge and sets things straight for the American troops. He made sure that the soldiers were trained properly for military exercises, performed regular drills, kept camps clean, neat, and sanitary, and he organized a system for medical aid so that unhealthy soldiers were not a danger to healthy ones. His extensive training and methods for organization are what turned the situation at Valley Forge from a difficult one into a successful way to prepare troops. -
Invisible Ink (No Specific Date)
It was used by Britain and the rebels to relay messages unbenounced to an observer. The information mostly was used to warn of enemy plans. However, at times the British had used it to deceive the rebels by including false information. -
Battle of Yorktown
Also known as the Siege of Yorktown, this was not so much a battle, but more a surrender by the British troops. Washington had successfully created confusion and diversions for the British which led to many misunderstandings. Right before the eyes of thousands of American and French soldiers, the British dropped their weapons. -
Treaty of Paris
This is an agreement signed by the Americans and Great Britain. It signified America’s independence from England and marked the end of the Revolutionary War.
