-
Battles of Lexington and Concord
The British marched to Lexington and Concord intending to seize weapons from colonists when they were met by the colonists themselves which sparked the first battle of the Revolution -
Battle of Ft. Ticonderoga 1775
Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen joined their forces and attacked the British. It was a small battle, but it was a major factor in the final outcome of the Revolution. It gave the Continental Army a strong and important morale boost through the development of the conflict. -
Battle of 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. This fight confirmed that any reconciliation between England and the American colonies was not possible -
Thomas Paine Publishes "Common Sense"
Thomas Paine released this to open the eyes of the colonists. He believed it was best for the colonists to fight for independence and that we didn't benefit off of Britain at all. -
Congress Creates The Declaration of Independence
Congress created a written document stating their complaints with Britain, and finally declares their independence -
Battle of Long Island
George Washington’s efforts to fortify New York City from a British attack led to the Revolutionary War’s biggest battle. This defeat for the Americans allowed Britain to hold the port until the end of the war. -
Washington Crosses The Delaware
Washington crossed the Delaware River so that his army could attack an isolated garrison of Hessian troops located at Trenton, New Jersey. -
Battle of Trenton
After crossing the Delaware River, General George Washington’s army defeated a garrison of Hessian mercenaries at Trenton. This victory boosted the morale of the American troops. -
Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton was a classic meeting engagement, both sides stumbled into one another, and neither expected to fight on the ground where the battle started. Washington and his troops were the victors and proved that they could defeat British troops -
Battle of Saratoga
The American victory in the Battles of Saratoga helped persuade the French to recognize American independence and to openly provide military assistance. The British troops surrender to General Gates -
Period: to
Winter at Valley Forge
Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where they could train and recoup from the year's battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting. -
Treaty of Amity and Commerce/Treaty of Alliance
The United States and France become allies. -
Battle of Charleston
The British gained control of South and the Americans lost many soldiers due to the surrender. -
Battle of Springfield
The British were forced to withdraw in the face of newly arriving rebel forces, resulting in a Continental victory. The battle effectively ended British ambitions in New Jersey. -
Battle of Camden, SC
This battle was the worst American defeat in the field and left the British in temporary control of the southern colonies. -
Battle of Cowpens
The Battle of Cowpens was a strategically ingenious American victory during the American Revolution over a British force in South Carolina. It also slowed the British efforts to invade North Carolina -
Battle of Kings Mountain
This battle pitted Loyalist militia elements under the command of British major Patrick Ferguson against 900 patriots. The British effort to secure Loyalist support in the South was a failure. -
Battle of Yorktown
Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington as French and American forces trapped the British at Yorktown. The British surrender at the Battle of Yorktown ended the American Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris which formally ends the revolution