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Battle of Lexington and Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord were the first engagements of the Revolutionary war. The British were given the order to take the colonial supplies stored at concord. The colonial troops made a stand at Lexington but were pushed back to Concord where they overcame the British forces and pushed them back to Boston Important people: General Thomas Gage -
Capturing of fort Ticonderoga
The British garrison of 48 soldiers was surprised by a small force of green mountain boys led by Ethan Allen and Benidict Arnold. The fort was later recaptured by the British. Important People: Ethan Allen, Benidict Arnold -
Battle of Bunker Hill
At Breed's Hill the Americans were defeated because of lack of ammo but the British forces suffered heavy losses and this battle showed that the patriots were willing and able to fight. -
George Washington named commander in chief
Washington was selected over other candidates such as John Hancock based on his previous military experience and the hope that a leader from Virginia could help unite the colonies. This would lead to good things as George Washington would lead the patriot army to victory over the british. Important People: George Washington -
Battle of Trenton
General George Washington's army crossed the icy Delaware on Christmas Day 1776 and, over the course of the next 10 days, won two crucial battles of the American Revolution. In the Battle of Trenton, Washington defeated a formidable garrison of Hessian mercenaries. Important People: George Washington -
American defeat at Quebec
Patriot forces under the command of Benidict Arnold and Richard Montgomery attemped to capture the British acupied city of Quebec. The attack failed and was considered the first major loss to the Americans in the Revolution. Important People: Benidict Arnold, Richard Montgomery -
British evacuate Boston
On this day in 1776, British forces are forced to evacuate Boston following General George Washington's successful placement of fortifications and cannons on Dorchester Heights, which overlooks the city from the south. Important People: George Washington -
Second Continental Congress meets
After the battles of Lexington and Concord delegates from each of the 13 colonies met at the state house in Philly to discuss posible solutions to the British problem. Important People: George Washington, John Hancock, John Adams -
Declaration of Independence Issued
The result of the 2nd continental congress was the Declaration of Independence, delcaring America a free and independent nation. Important People: George Washington, John Hancock, John Adams -
Battle of Long Island
On August 27, 1776 the British Army successfully moved against the American Continental Army led by George Washington. The battle was part of a British campaign to seize control of New York and thereby isolate New England from the rest of the colonies. Important People: George Washington Important People: George Washington -
British occupy New York City
The British seized control of New York after defeating Washington's army of 20,00 soldiers. Important People: George Washington -
Battle of Brandywine
The British defeated the Americans and forced them to withdraw toward the American capital of Philadelphia. The 2 armys were led by George Washington and Sir William Howe Important People: George Washington, Sir William Howe -
Battle of Saratoga
The two battles of Saratoga were a turning point in the war. The British defeated the Patriot forces in the first battle but were later forced to retreat after the second battle was over. This batte convinced France to come in with America as an ally and declare war on Great Britain. Important People: Benidict Arnold, General Burgoyne -
British occupy Philadelphia
After the alliance with France was announced the British army promptely marched into Philadelphia, the Patriot leaders evacuated the city. No important people -
Articles of Confederation adopted
Served as Americas first constitution. Important People: Ben Franklin -
Valley Forge
Valley Forge was the site of a millitary encampment during the winter of 1777, they first arrived on December 19, 1777 Important People: George Washington -
Alliance With France
The treaty of alliance with France was signed on Febuary 6th, 1778 and France then declared war on Great Britain. France provided much needed naval support. No important people -
Battle of Monmouth Court House
George Washington attacked the rear of the British Army as they were leaving the Monmouth Court House Important People: George Washington, Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton -
Fall of Savannah
Savannah was considered to be a key port by the British. In November, 1778 Henry Clinton sent 3500 regulars and Tories against Savannah. This port was to be a base where the British would have access to the southern American colonies as well as the West Indies. Savannah was defended by about a thousand militia from Georgia and neighboring South Carolina. Important People: Henry Clinton -
Spain enters the war
Spain declares war on Britain and joins France to aid the Americans, this would help win the war as they would fight the british in europe also. -
Siege of Charleston
Towards the end of the war the british focused on the southern colonies and after about 6 weeks of siege took Charleston. Important People: Benjamin Lincoln, Sir Henry Clinton -
Treason of Benidict Arnold
The British made him a brigadier general with an annual income of several hundred pounds, but only paid him £6,315 plus an annual pension of £360 because his plot failed. The British would then gain information on the Americans plans. Important People: Benidict Arnold -
French and British battle in Chesapeake Bay
The battle was tactically inconclusive but strategically a major defeat for the British, since it prevented the Royal Navy from reinforcing or evacuating the blockaded forces of Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. -
Siege of Yorktown
Decisive victory by a combined force of American Continental Army troops led by General George Washington and French Army troops led by the Comte de Rochambeau over a British Army commanded by British lord and Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis. Important People: George Washington, Lord Cornwallis -
Cornwallis Surrender
British General Charles Cornwallis formally surrenders 8,000 British soldiers and seamen to a French and American force at Yorktown, Virginia, bringing the American Revolution to a close. Important People: General Cornwallis, George Washngton
