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Battles at Lexington and Concord
British troops were instructed to go to Concord to seize weapons and ammunition from the colonists. They were met by the colonial militia who were outnumbered and instructed to turn away when someone fired a weapon. It is not known who fired first only that the end result was 9 deaths.The British 'won' this battle. It is significant because it was the first battle in the war. Paul Revere is well known for informing the colonists that the British were coming to raid their weapons and ammunition. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Significant casualties on both sides, but British won this battle. Most of the fighting occurred on Breed's Hill not Bunker Hill. Significant because the British gained control of Charlestown Peninsula, but they were also made aware of how much they underestimated the colonists. Colonists were led by Colonel William Prescott. British were led by Major General William Howe. -
Battle of Fort Washington
British leader, Lieutenant General William Howe, had plans to capture Fort Washington. General Washington advised Fort overseer General Nathanael Greene to abandon the fort and move towards New Jersey; his request was declined. The British attacked the Fort and eventually won after the death of 59 Americans and the capture of 2,837. This is significant because it gave Britain control over New York and part of New Jersey. -
Battle of Princeton
General Washington guided his troops away from the British to avoid conflict with General Cornwallis' well-rested troops. Cornwallis sent some of his men to stop Washinton at the Deleware River. Washington's men snuck around the British and attacked the remainder of the troops resulting in British defeat. Significant because colonist regained control of New Jersey. -
Battle of Saratoga
After American defeat at Fort Ticonderoga, General John Burgoyne and the British were in no hurry which allowed the colonial troops to regroup and prepare themselves for more conflict. Benedict Arnold convinced Horatio Gates to take a more offensive stance against the oncoming British attack. American attacks forced the British to retreat and eventually surrender marking a turning point in the war. -
Battle of Yorktown
British leader General Cornwallis decided to make Yorktown his base and American leader General Washington took action. Washington surrounded Cornwallis and his troops and fought for three weeks until General Cornwallis surrendered. This defeat marked the end of the war and led to American freedom.
