Early American Wars Timeline

  • The Battles of Lexington and Concord

    The Battles of Lexington and Concord
    The fight took place in the town of Lexington. Eventually, the British retreated. This event kicked off the American Revolutionary War.
  • The Winter at Valley Forge

    The Winter at Valley Forge
    Living conditions during this winter were very difficult due to the shortages of clothes, shoes, food, and blankets.
  • Benedict Arnold turns traitor

    Benedict Arnold turns traitor
    Benedict Arnold, the commander of the American fort at West Point, had secret negotiations with the British. When he was caught, he went to the British lines to avoid getting arrested.
  • The Battle of Cowpens

    The Battle of Cowpens
    The militia left the front line after they fired two shots. The British thought they were retreating and went after them. When the British caught up to them, they were met with rifles and bullets.
  • The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere

    The USS Constitution defeats the HMS Guerriere
    This hour-long battle happened off the coast of Nova Scotia. When the Constitution fired their cannon and hit the Geurrirer, they had no other choice but to surrender.
  • The Battle of Baltimore

    The Battle of Baltimore
    The Americans retreated in this sea/land battle, but it helped prepare for other battles to come.
  • The Battle of New Orleans

    The Battle of New Orleans
    This battle was won by Andrew Jackson and the American troops, even though they were outnumbered by the British.
  • The Election of Andrew Jackson

    The Election of Andrew Jackson
    Jackson won the popular vote against Adams.
  • The Battle of the Alamo

    The Battle of the Alamo
    This battle occurred in San Antonio, Texas, from February 23 to March 6, 1836. The Texans lost this battle and the Mexicans won.
  • Mexico loses California, New Mexico, and Arizona

    Mexico loses California, New Mexico, and Arizona
    Because of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, Mexico gave up 55% of its territory.
  • Abraham Lincoln Elected President

    Abraham Lincoln Elected President
    Lincoln won the election by popular vote against 4 other candidates.
  • South Carolina secedes from the United States

    South Carolina secedes from the United States
    South Carolina seceded from the union when Abraham Lincoln was elected president. It was because he was against slavery.
  • The First Battle of Bull Run

    The First Battle of Bull Run
    The Confederate won this battle while the Federal forces fled back to Washington, DC.
  • The Battle of Gettysburg

    The Battle of Gettysburg
    This battle was the turning point of the war and had the largest number of deaths.
  • The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse

    The Treaty at Appomattox Courthouse
    This is when the military surrendered their weapons, but the Confederate government did not surrender.
  • The sinking of the USS Maine

    The sinking of the USS Maine
    The sinking of the USS Maine was believed to be a sabotage from the Spanish when in reality, it was most likely caused by a fire or explosion where the ammunition was kept.
  • Battle of the Philippines (Spanish American War, not World War II)

    Battle of the Philippines (Spanish American War, not World War II)
    The Philippine rebels fought off troops that arrived late to the island. They thought that the U.S. would help them gain independence, but they gave Cuba independence first.
  • The Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem

    The Adoption of the Star Spangled Banner as the National Anthem
    Woodrow Wilson was the president that adopted the Star Spangled Banner as the national anthem.