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The Shot Heard 'Round the World
The "Shot Heard Round the World" pertains to the first shots fired on April 19, 1775 at the Battles of Lexington and Concord. These two battles are known as the first two battles of the American Revolution. The phrase "Shot Heard Round the World" comes from a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson called Concord Hymn. -
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The American Revolution
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The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was ratified and officially adopted by the Congress. The first printed text of The Declaration of Independence was also produced on this day. -
The Battle of Trenton
The Battle of Trenton was an important victory for the Patriots. It was when Washington went on the offensive and attacked the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey the day after Christmas, when the Hessians were asleep. -
The Battle of Saratoga
During the Battle of Saratoga General Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold defeated General John Burgoyne's British forces. Burgoyne surrendered himself, along with his army, to General Gates. This event was the biggest American victory since the beginning of the Revolutionary War, and caused Americans to become more optimistic. Another result of this surrender was foreign alliances with France, Spain, and Holland. -
Cornwallis Surrenders
Lord Cornwallis surrendered along with about 8,000 British officers at the Battle of Yorktown. The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle in the American Revolutionary War, and only a few minor battles followed.
