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French Secret Weapons
Since early 1776, the French were sending weapons to the Patriots, since they were still bitter about their defeat by the British in the French and Indian War. -
British Retreats From Boston
The British retreated from Boston originally moving the theater of war to the Middle States. This was all part of a plan to stop the rebellion by isolating New England and seizing New York City. -
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Hessians in N.Y Harbor
General William Howe & Admiral Richard Howe join together in Staten Island and then sail to New York Harbor. They sailed down with one of the largest British expeditionary forces assembled. It included 32,000 soldiers and German mercenaries or Hessians. -
End of Battle of N.Y
The battle of N.Y ended in late august with the Americans retreating with heavy losses from the Americans being that they were outnumbered by the British. -
Into Pennsylvania from the Delaware River
By late fall, the British had pushed Washington's army from the Deleware River to Pennsylvania. There he lost a mast majority of his men leaving him with less than 8,000 men who's enlistment was due on December 31. -
The Beginning of the Battle of Trenton
Washington resolved to risk everything on Christmas night. He led 2,400 men in small rowboats across the Deleware River during a fierce storm. -
The Battle of Trenton
The men marched 9 miles through sleet and snow after crossing the Deleware River. They landed in Trenton, N.J where the men took a group of drunk Hessians by surprise and attacked their fort. The Americans killed 30 men, took 918 captives and 6 Hessian cannons. -
Battle at Princeton
The Americans gained another victory 8 days later here in Princeton against 1,200 British stationed there. -
British Seize Philadelphia
General Howe had chosen to begin his plan to seize the American Capital at Philadelphia in the spring of 1777. General Howe's troops then sailed from New York to the Chesapeake Bay, and landed near the capital in late August. The Continental Congress left the city while Washington’s troops tried to block the British at Brandywine Creek, but failed to do so. The British captured Philadelphia, and General Howe settled in and was accepted with much hospitality from the Loyalists. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Americans were able to surround British General, John "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne, at Saratoga. Here he surrendered his entire army to General Gates. -
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Valley Forge
Located right outside of Philadelphia, General Washington and his troops took solace after losing Philly to the British. Here they faced one of the coldest winters of that time period and lacked supplies, clothes, and food. They were on their own for the whole winter. Washington lost many men here but gained increased moral from the remaining men. -
Valley Forge picture
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French Become Allies
The French recognized American Independence and signed an alliance to them. This was also known as a treaty of cooperation. -
Fredrick von Steuben
A Prussian captain and talented drillmaster, volunteered to train the American troops in makeing them actual proficient soldiers. He taught them different European tactics. -
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British Move South
The British shifted their operations South in hopes to gain Loyalist support, reclaim their former lands and slowly fight their way back north. -
British Take Savannah
At the end of 1778, a British expedition wasily took Savannah, Georgia. -
Royal Governor Commanding
In the spring of 1779, a royal governor once again commanded Georgia. -
Lafayette To The Rescue
Marcquis de Lafayette joied Washington's staff and bore the misery of Valley Forge. He lobbied for French reinforcements in France and led a command in Virginia during the last years of the war. -
Clinton & Cornwallis Sail South
General Henry Clinton and General Charles Cornwallis sailed south with 8,500 men. -
Capture of Charles Town
The British captured Charles Town, South Carolina and marched 5,500 American soldiers iff as POW. Clinto then left NY and left Cornwallis in charge if British forces in the South and to conquer South and North Carolina. This was known as their greatest victory of the war. -
Camden, South Carolina
Cornwallis' army smash American forces at Camden, S.C. -
French Fleet Lands in America
A French Army of 6,000 men landed in Newport, Rhode Island after the British left the city to focus on the South. They stationed one fleet in R.I and another in the West Indies. When Lafayette found out he suggested that the American and French armies join forces and attack the redcoats at Yorktown. -
British Communication Lines are cut
The British ahd established forts across the state, but when Cornwallis and his army advance into N.C, Americans attacked them and cut their communication lines. Eventually after being continuosly harassed, the British were forced to retreat to S.C. -
Continental Army Unexpected Fight Back
When Greene and Cornwallis's forces met at Cowpens, South Carolina, the British troops expected the Americans to flee. Instead, the Continental Army fought back and forced the redcoats to surrender. -
Guilford Court House
Cornwallis was angered by his defeat in Cowpens and in turn attacked Greene in Guilford Court House, N.C. There he won the battle but suffered heavy losses. It cost him nearly a fourth of his troops-- 93 killed, 400+ wounded, and 26 missing. -
Greene writes to Lafayette
Greene was worried about the fight for the South after he weakened the Britiths. He wrote to Lafayette asking for his help. -
Robert Morris as Superintendent
The Congress appointed a rich Philadelphia merchant named Robert Morris as superintendent of finance. -
Troops Get Paid
Due to efforts of Morris and Salomeon, troops were finally paid in specie, or gold coin for their services. -
Cornwallis Surrenders
Cornwallis's troops were outnumbered by more than 2-1 and exhausted. Cornwallis endd up finally raising his white flag. -
Crowd Watching at Yorktown
Colonely William Fontaine of the Virginia milita stood with the French and Americans lined up on a road near Yorktown, awaiting the surrender of the British. -
Everyone Assembles to Accept Surrender
Washington, the French generals, and their troops all assembled to accept the formal British surrender. -
Peace Talks in France
Represenatives of 4 nations- the U.S, Great Britian, France, and Spain- joined the negotiations of peace with every nation looking for personal benefits. -
Treaty of Paris
Delgates signed the Treaty of Paris, which confirmed the U.S independence and set the boundaries for the new nation.
