-
First shots of The Revolutionary War
In Concord and Lexington (Massachusetts) the first shots of the war are fired. The news spreads throughout the colonies, and "minute men", who were volunteers ready to fight at a moments notice, converge within the colonies. -
Period: to
American Revolution
-
Battle of Bunker Hill
The battle of Bunker Hill if the first battle with major implications. new and inexperienced American soldiers battle the veteran British soldiers for two hours. The Patriots had to eventually fall back, but showed they were ready to fight for independence. -
South Carolinians Hold of British Army
The British plan an invasion of Sullivan's island. Patriot forces and the complicated waters of Charleston harbor hold off the British troops, and Charleston is safe from enemy forces for a few years. -
America Declares Independence
After a year of war, members of second continental congress draft the Declaration of Independence. This officially cut ties with Britain, and is one of the turning points of the war. -
Washington crosses the Delaware
On Christmas night, George Washington moves his troops across the Delaware river, a very bold move. They win a battle at Trenton on the 26th, and another victory at Princeton on the 3rd of January. -
France enters the war
The French side with the Patriots after seeing the victories against the British. France helps fund the war for the Patriots, which is a big turning point in the war. -
The Longest siege of the War
Patriot forces under General Nathaniel Greene attack British troops at Ninety-six. Greene has to end up retreating, but proves that Britain is becoming overwhelmed in the war. -
Battle of Cowpins
Patriot Militia defeat a British army at Cowpens. this victory helps convince Patriots that the war in winnable in the south. -
Large British army defeated at Yorktown
A large British army gets trapped on Virginia's Yorktown peninsula. British forces can't get reinforcements, so General Cornwallis surrenders. This is the Beginning of the end for the British. -
Treaty of Paris ends the War.
The Treaty of Paris officially ends the war and makes the 13 American colonies independent from Britain. Another war proceeds shortly after (war of 1812) and truly secures American independence.