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The Battle of Long Island Part One
George Washington had just defeated the British at Boston when he moved the Continental Army to New York. While waiting for the British to strike, he began readying the defences. Then, in July, the British landed on Staten Island, led by General William Howe. They were slowly reinforced with ships over the next month and a half. Their total troop count came to 32,000 men. The British had control of the entrance to the New York Harbor, and Washington knew how hard it would be to hold the city. -
Battle of Long Island Continued
Washington believed the British would strike Manhattan, so he moved the bulk of his troops there. The British landed on the western edge of Long Island, and struck, only after waiting five days though. Howe had brought the bulk of his troops and attacked them from behind and on the flank. Washington retreated to Manhattan and they were driven out. Picture: A Delaware regiment firing at British troops during the Battle of Long Island. -
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Battles of the Revolution, Part 2
The battles featured on this timeline include the Battle of Long Island, Battle of Kips Bay, Battle of Trenton, Battle of Saratoga, Battle of Germantown and the Battle of Brandywine. -
Landing at Kips Bay, Part One
Heavy fire from the British had forced the inexperienced American militia to flee. This made it possible for the British to land at Kips Bay unopposed. The British manvuers following the landing had neatly cut off the escape route of Continental Army men stationed further southeast on the island. Their hasty retreat left George Washington dangerously close to enemy lines. The operation was a success for the British, resulting in the withdrawl of troops to Harlem Hieghts, releasing control of -
Landing at Kips Bay, Continued
New York City. Picture: British troops beginning to land at Kips Bay, unopposed by an American forces or fire. -
Battle of Trenton Part One
After being forced into retreating to Pennsylvania, Washington decides to cross the Delaware in dangerous conditions, making it possible for him to lead his force against the Hessians stationed at Trenton. For a victory, his attack relied solely on surprise. If a single Hessian soldier or watchmen spotted them, Washington would be runined. Nobody saw them, however, and Washington was able to lead his troops on the assault. In only a few brief moments of battle, Washington had captured or killed -
Battle of Trenton, Continued
more than 900 Hessians, close to the whole force. The victory was a major morale booster for the Americans; just the right thing for Christmas and the end of the year. Picture: Washington crossing the Delaware with his troops, preparing to launch the surprise attack on the Hessians. -
Battle of Brandywine, Continued
officials. General Howe knew the area better, however, and he did not launch a full-scale attack, but rather used a flanking manuever, similar to those of the Battle of Long Island. 5,000 men under the command of Wilhelm von Knyphausen advanced to meet Washington's troops. The rest, under the command of Lord Cornwallis, marched around and flanked them. Picture: American troops release fire on Wilhelm's troops, not yet flanked by Lord Cornwallis and his troops. British returning fire. -
Battle of Brandywine Part One
General William Howe had landed some 17,000 troops at the head of the Maryland Elk River, about 40-50 miles southwest of Philadelphia. Washington had his forces, over 20,000 strong, between the Maryland Elk River and Philadelphia. However, due to the delayed landing of the Royal Navy, General Howe did not stop to set up camp, but moved quickly forward. Washington did not get an accurate troop count because of this. Washington still set up many defenses with the help of several other American -
Battle of Germantown
After suffering heavy losses from the Battle of Brandywine, Washington saw a chance to attack the Britih forces, who had split into two, part of it defending Philadelphia, and the rest of it determined to destroy the American forces. His plan was to attack the Germantown garrison at night with four different columns from varying directions. He hoped to surprise the British forces much as he had at the Battle of Trenton. Picture: A few American troops preparing to attack the British at Germantown -
Battle of Saratoga, Continued
heavy casualties.Then, at the Battle of Bemis Heights, part of the British defenses were captured, forcing Burgoyne to retreat. His army was surronded at Saratoga and fired upon until they surrendered. Picture: The British trapped behind their barricades, trying to fire upon the American forces, who are firing upon the British army. -
Battle of Saratoga, Part One
General John Burgoyne had a plan. He and two other armies were to seperate New England colonies from the other colonies. One would come from the north, one from the south, and one from the west for good measure. The west army got destroyed on the way and the south army decided to attack Philadelphia. Burgoyne thought he could do it alone. He had good men, strong, well-trained men, and he went on with the attack. He won a small victory over General Gates at the Battle of Freeman's Farm, but at
