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Addition of Freed African soldiers
African Americans were initially barred from the Continental Army, The British offered freedom to enslaved people who joined them. Washington allowed free African Americans to enlist, and Congress officially allowed free African Americans to join. By the end of the war, many African Americans had served on both sides. -
Concord and Lexington
The famous 'shot heard 'round the world', marked the start of the American War of Independence Politically bad for the British, it influenced many Americans to support the cause of independence. -
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Boston
It was the opening phase of the American Revolutionary War. In the siege, American patriot George Washington prevented the British Army, which was garrisoned in Boston, from moving by land. -
Bunker Hill
The American patriots were defeated at the Battle of Bunker Hill, but they proved they could hold their own against the superior British Army. The fierce fight confirmed that any reconciliation between England and her American colonies was no longer possible. -
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Foreign officers arrive (Prussia and France)
Silas Deane was sent to France to secure military support and officers, Benjamin Franklin arrived in France to assist Deane. Marquis de Lafayette arrived in America after securing support in France, Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer, arrived in America to train the Continental Army at Vally Forge. -
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New York
Battle of Long Island in the American Revolution was, a successful British action in Brooklyn, New York, against the American Continental Army and the first major battle of the war since the American Declaration of Independence. -
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Trenton
Washington crossed the Deleware River at night, His army surprised the Hessian forces in Trenton and won the battle. Washington returned to Trenton after the battle was won. British forces attempted to retake Trenton, but Washington's army held them off. -
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Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War. The American defeat of the superior British army lifted patriot morale, furthered the hope for independence, and helped to secure the foreign support needed to win the war. -
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Valley Forge
Valley Forge was the winter encampment of the Continental Army, under the command of George Washington, during the American Revolutionary War. -
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Clinton takes the Carolina's and Georgia
In 1778 the British captured Savannah Georgia. In 1780 Clinton captured Charleston, South Carolina. The British forces moved into the interior of South Carolina, securing several outposts. A year later, the British controlled much of Georgia, and South Carolina, but faced increasing resistance from American forces. -
Monmouth
American forces engaged British troops, but the heat and exhaustion affected both sides, leading to a stalemate. Washington then rallied his troops, and the fighting resumed. The British retreated, ending the battle without a clear victory for either side. -
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The Treaty of Paris
The Preliminary peace articles were signed along with the Treaty of Paris itself. Then the Treaty was ratified by the Continental Congress. -
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Yorktown
Supported by the French army and navy, Washington's forces defeated Lord Charles Cornwallis' veteran army dug in at Yorktown, Virginia. Victory at Yorktown led directly to the peace negotiations that ended the war in 1783 and gave America its independence. -
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End of the Fighting
Oct. 1781- The British General Cornwallis surrendered in Yorktown, which was the last major battle.
March 1782- The British Parliament votes to end the war in America.
April 1783- Congress officially declared an end to hostilities.
Sept. 1783- The Treaty of Paris is signed, officially ending the war and recognizing American independence.
Nov. 1783- The last British troops leave NYC, marking the end of British occupation. -
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Princeton
After surprising the British at Trenton, General Washington's army forced them to retreat. Washington then defeated the British again at Princeton, boosting American morale and proving the Continental Army's strength.