-
The Signing of the Declaration of Independence
John Adams preferred that Thomas Jefferson should write the Declaration of Independence. It took a little bit of persuasion but he ended up writing it and a very good one at that. 2 days before, Congress voted for independence. On July, 4th, 1776, congress adopts The Declaration of Independence. Now every year July 4th is a holiday where we celebrate our independence. -
Nathan Hale's Execution
American Capt. Nathan Hale gets captured by the British after penetrating the British lines. They decided not to hold a trial and hanged him a day after the capture. Moments before his impending doom, Hale said "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." It was an amazing display of patriotism in it's purest form. Hale died for his country and he deserves to be remembered. -
Battle of Princeton
Washington's continental army attacks a British rearguard and train and shortly after, they withdraw to Morristown. The general in charge of this attack was General Lord Cornwallis. This battle resulted in 40 patriot casualties. As for the British, they had 275 casualties. It took place in Princeton, NJ. -
The Battle of Saratoga
The British surrendered to the United States during the American Revolution in Saratoga County, New York. This battle was considered a major turning point in the American Revolution because of the huge loss of lives. The British initially wanted to control upstate New York which is why they took place in the war. Their goal was to separate New England from southern colonies but they ended up losing regardless. -
France Recognizes US Independence
France formally recognizes the United States' independence. It wasn't ratified in congress until a few days after the recognition. Their king directed someone named Vergennes to try to negotiate with Americans. This action led to France recognizing their independence. -
Franco-American Alliance
The Treaty between France and the US was a military pact. The arrangement included the French's supplies and munitions being sent to the Continental Army. The treaty was important because is encouraged Franco-American trade and it also provided for a military alliance between the two. (Ratified By Congress on May, 4th, 1778) -
The Withdrawal of The Continental Army From Valley Forge
Philadelphia was a very hard city to defend. The fact that the French were now actively participating in the war did not make things any easier. This led to an evacuation of the continental army from valley forge. The army was also discouraged by their previous string of lost battles. The army stayed at the camp for approximately six months before leaving. -
Spain Declares War on Great Britain
After declaring war on Great Britain, Spain makes an alliance with the United States in the process and supplies them with resources and munitions as well. Spain's King Charles III refused to make an alliance with the US. Luckily for French Foreign Minister Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, he managed to negotiate an alliance with Spain to join their war with the British. -
Benedict Arnold Conspires With British
Benedict Arnold betrays his country by cooperating with the British to help surrender the fort at West Point, New York. A British general promises him a large sum of money and a high position in the British army in exchange for information about the Americans. Washington disliked Arnold and attempted to prosecute him for treason on numerous occasions. In the end, Benedict Arnold got off the hook. -
Battle of Camden
The British defeats the US after charging and this results in nearly 2,000 patriot casualties. The commanding general that was responsible for this was then immediately replaced by Nathanael Greene. Nathanael Greene was a very skilled military strategist. His promotion was the reason for some of America's most significant victories that could've maybe even helped them win the war altogether. That being said, placing Nathanael Greene in that position might've been a great decision by Washington. -
Washington Appoints Nathanael Greene Commander of The Southern Army
Nathanael Greene was a very talented and skilled military strategist which made this event a major turning point of the revolutionary war. His promotion was the reason for some of America's most significant victories that could've maybe even helped them win the war altogether. That being said, placing Nathanael Greene in that position might've been a great decision by Washington. -
Publication of The Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was a basic set of principles and laws made by the government to restore order among the 13 colonies. It also acted as the United States' first constitution. This was a very big step towards the development of the government back then and up to today we still use the same system. -
Battle of the Chesapeake
The Battle of Chesapeake also known as The Battle of the Virginia Capes, was a naval battle that took place near Chesapeake Bay between Great Britain and early modern France. After a gruesome battle the French comes out victorious. General Cornwallis tried to evacuate by sea but he couldn't because of this lost battle. Eventually, he surrenders. -
British General Cornwallis Surrenders
British General surrenders 8,000 British soldiers in Yorktown, Virginia. Of course, this is a large number of soldiers to surrender at a time. They might've actually had a chance if General Cornwallis didn't surrender but we may never know. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris (Peace Treaty) put an end to the American Revolution which meant that the British recognized the independence of the United States with friendly intentions. Not only did the treaty establish an alliance but it also established US boundaries. There are actually 3 separate treaties of Paris as well but they all say the same thing. France ended up relinquishing all their main territories.
