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Help from French
The French had been secretly sending weapons to the Patriots because they were still disappointed with the defeat of the French and Indian war. -
British retreat
British retreated from Boston, this moved the theater of the war to the middle states. It was also plan to stop a rebellion by isolating New England. -
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Defeat in New York
General William Howe and Richard Howe, sailed into NY harbor with the largest British expeditionary force ever assembled. This was 32,000 soldiers. These troops were called Hessians. -
British attack
By late fall the British pushed Washington's army across the Delaware river into Pennsylvania. Washngton's army had been deserted killed or captured. -
Christmas Night
Washington had a risky plan to send 2,400 men in row boats across the frozen Delaware river. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington's men had marched nine miles through snow to get to Trenton, filled with Hessians. The Hessians were drunk or sleeping so the Americas came in with a surprise attack. 30 were killed, 918 were held captive, and took 6 Hessian cannons. -
Another Victory
Americans were rallied by another victory at Princeton against 1,200 British. Washington then took his army to winter camp near Morristown. -
General Howe's campaign
General Howe began campaign to takeover the American capital at Philadelphia. His troops began sailed from New York to the Chesapeake Bay. -
Capturing Philadelphia
General Howe's troops landed near the capital In late august. The continental congress fled the city, meanwhile Washington's troops failed to block the redcoats. The British then captured Philadelphia. -
Saratoga
American troops surrounded Burgoyne at Saratoga after his plan had failed to lead his army to NY. His troops did not meet with him and he had no backup. He then surrendered his army. -
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Winter at Valley forge
One of the most brutal winter's. Their was a continental army camp where patriots suffered the hash winter with little clothing and little food. -
The French join our side
The French were surprised at the victory of Saratoga. They then recognized American independence and agreed to support the revolution. The French signed an alliance of cooperation with the Americans. -
Transforming American Troops
Friedrich von Steuben was a Prussian captain who volunteered his services to general Washington. He trained the soldiers and the continental army became an effective fighting force. -
New governor
By spring a royal governor took command over Georgia -
British expedition
In the summer British shifted operation to the south. They planned to rally loyalist, reclaim former colonies and fight their way back to north. -
British succeed again
At the end of 1778, the British expedition took Savannah, Georgia. -
A new military leader
A military leader Marquis de Lafayette also offered his assistance. He joined Washington's staff and lobbied for French reinforcements. -
Victory at Yorktown
A French army of 6,000 landed in Newport, Rhode island. Lafayette suggested that the American and French armies join forces and attack the British at Yorktown. They followed through with the plan and succeeded. -
Clinton and Cornwallis
General Henry Clinton, sailed south with 8,500, along with Charles Cornwallis -
Britain's greatest victory
British captured Charles town, South Carolina and marched 5,500 American soldiers off as prisoners of war. Clinton left NY leaving Cornwallis in charge of British forces. -
Cornwallis takes over
Cornwallis succeeded in conquering south and North Carolina. They were also joined by thousands of African Americans that escaped Patriot slave. -
Washington fights back
Washington ordered Nathaniel Greene to harass Cornwallis. Greene divided his force into two groups. Under the command of General Daniel Morgan he sent 600 soldiers to south Carolina. Cornwallis sent lieutenant colonial Banastre and his troops to pursue Morgan's soldiers. -
Cornwallis attacks
Forces met at Cowpens South Carolina. The continental army fought back and forced redcoats to surrender. Cornwallis then attacked and won the battle against Greene two months later, but lost a fourth of his soldiers. -
Help from Lafayette
Greene wrote a letter to Lafayette asking for help. Greene wanted him to march his force southward by Alexandria and Fredricksburg -
Troops were paid
After Morris begged and borrowed for money, their efforts paid off when the troops were financially paid in gold coins -
Fighting stops
Cornwallis's troops were outnumbered and he raised the white flag. -
Standing Proud
Colonial William Fontaine of Virginia militia stood with American and French armies, lining a road near NY town. The French dressed in bright blue coats and the Americans dressed in rough hunting shirts, standing proudly behind their generals. -
British Surrender
Washington, French Generals, and troops gathered to accept the British surrender. -
Help for the continental Army
The congress appointed rich Philadelphia merchant named Robert Morris as superintendent of finance. Him and his Jewish associate borrowed on their credit to raise money to provide salaries for the continental army. -
Treaty of Paris
The delegates signed the treaty of Paris which confirmed U.S independence. The united states spread from the Atlantic ocean to the Mississippi river and from Canada to the Florida border.
