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The Bristish Retreat
The British retreated from Boston, moving the theater of war to the Middle states. -
The Howe Brothers
General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe came together and sailed into the New York harbor. They brought with them the largest British expeditionary force ever assembled. Many of these soldiers inculded thousands of German mercenaries, called the Hessians. -
The End of the battle for New York
George Washington brought his men to New York's defense, but were greatly outnumbered. The battle for New York ended in late August. -
From Delaware to Pennsylvania
The British pushed away Washington's army across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. -
Across the Delaware River
On Christmas night, Washington led 2,400 men across the icy Delaware River. -
Heading towards Trenton
By the next morning, the men had marched nine miles through steep snow to Trenton, New Jersey. Trenton was held by a garrison of the Hessians. -
Enlistment Due to End
Washington's men were due to leave on December 31. -
The Campaign to seize Philadelfia
General Howe began his campaign to possess the American capitol at Philadelfia. -
General Howe's troops Land
Howe's troops sailed from New York to the head of the Chesapeake Bay and landed near the capital. -
Surrendering at Saratoga
American troops surrounded Genral John "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne at Saratoga. He surrendered his defeated army to General Gates. -
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Valley Forge
Valley Forge (outside of Philadelfia) served as a camp for the Continental Army during the Winter. This is where the Patriots stayed during the Winter. -
The French become Alliances
The French supported the Americans independence and signed a treaty of cooperation with the Americans. The terms concluded that the French agreed to not make peace with Britain until Britain recognizes Americans independence. -
Friedrich von Steuben
Friedrich von Steuben offered his services to General Washington. With his experienced techniques, he taught the troops how to stand at attention, fire and reload quickly, and how to execute field maneuvers. This new training helped improve the Continental Army. -
Marquis de Lafayette
Marquid de Lafayette, a young French aritocrat offered his assistance. -
Change of Plans!
After their defeat at Saratoga, the British changed their fighting style. They shifted their opperations to the South. By doing this, they hoped to rally Loyalist's support and reclaim their former colonies. -
A British Expedition
A British expedition easily took Savannah, Georgia and by Springtime a royal govenor once again commanded Georgia. -
Lafayette joins Washington's Staff
Marquis de Lafayette lobbied for the French reinforcements in Frnace and led a command in Virginia in the last years of the war. -
General Henry Clinton
General Henry Clinton along with general Charles Cornwallis sailed south with 8,500 men. -
Britain's Greatest Victory of the War
The British captured Charles Town, South Caolina and marched 5,500 American soldiers off as prisoners of war. -
Cornwallis's Army
Cornwallis's army defeated American forces at Camden, South Carolina. -
The French land in Rhode Island
After the British left Rhode island, the French landed there. Marquis de Lafayette suggested that the American and French armies join forces witht he two French fleets and attack the British forces at Yorktown. Using this plan, the French were able to block the entrance to the Chesapeake Bay, therefore preventing a British rescue by sea. -
The British establish new forts
Within a couple of months, the British established forts across the state. -
Continental Army Fight Back
At Cowpends, South Carolina, the British expected the Americans to flee. But, to their surpise the Continental Army fought back and forced the redcoats to surrender. -
Robert Morris
Congress appointed a rich merchant named Robert Morris as the superintendent of finance. -
Nathanael Greene
After his costly victory, Greene wrote a letter to Lafayette, asking for help. -
Cornwallis's Attack
Cornwallis was very angry about the defeat and attacked Nathanael Greene at the Guilford Court House, North Carolina. Even though Cornwallis won, it cost him nearly a fourth of his troops. -
Gold Coins
The troops were finally paid with specie, or gold coin. -
Cornwallis Finally Surrenders
Since his troops were outnumbered, Cornwallis finally surrendered. -
The British Surrender
Colonel William Fontaine from the virginia militia stood with the American and French armies at road near Yorktown. They were there to witness the British surrender. -
Accepting the British Surrender
A happy Washington, French generals and their troops assembled to accept the British surrender. -
The Treaty of Paris
The delegates signed the Treaty of Paris. This treaty confirmed U.S. independence and the United States now stretched from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississipi River and from Canada to the Florida border.
