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Battle of Lexington & Concord
Also known as 'the shot heard 'round the world', the Battle of Lexington and Concord kicked off the start of the American Revolution. It's unknown who fired the first shot, but there was a brief skirmish between the Redcoats and Minutemen shortly after Paul Revere and other riders announced the arrival of the British. -
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The Revolutionary War
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Battle of Bunker Hill
Although this battle was a British victory, it was a pivotal point for the Americans because even though the British may have won, there were many British casualties, and this motivated the Americans, showing that they could hold their own and that they could do damage to the superior British army. It was a very bloody battle, with around 1,400 casualties. The Bunker hill flag, one of the first American flags including a pine tree, soon because a symbol for New England and the Colonies. -
Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, now known as Independence Day celebrated in America, the Continental Congress declared that the 13 colonies were now independent states, no longer part of the British Empire. The declaration, mainly written by Thomas Jefferson, explains why congress took a vote on July 2nd to declare independence. -
George Washington Crosses the Delaware
General Washington, with about 5400 troops, crosses the Delaware River in hopes of having a surprise attack on the Hessian soldiers who were celebrating Christmas. Only 2,400 troops made it past the half-frozen river at 11 P.M. -
Battle of Trenton, NJ
After 2,400 of General George Washington and his men made it past the Delaware River, they performed a surprise attack on the groggy Hessian soldiers which resulted in an inspirational victory for the Continental Army, which then led to another successful battle in Princeton about a week later on January 3rd, 1777. -
Saratoga Campaign
The Saratoga Campaign involved two battles in NY during the fall of 1777, the 2nd battle being a major pivotal point as it was a decisive American victory, which also convinces France to agree to the Treaty of Alliance. -
Valley Forge
After having 2,000 deaths due to the brutal, freezing winter, Washington and his surviving soldiers, after camping in Valley Forge for 6 months, emerge in the spring newly inspired and trained to be able to beat the British. During the Battle of Valley Forge, the British had stolen supplies and burnt some buildings down. -
Battle of Yorktown
In September of 1781, the French navy arrived to support the Continental army. There was a three-week battle between the Continential army and their French allies against the British which resulted in Lord Cornwallis surrendering to the Continental Army, as they were outfought and outnumbered. The Americans win the war -
Revolutionary War Ends
After Lord Cornwallis surrendered and the Americans win the war, the Treaty of Paris is signed on September 3rd of 1783, and the war formally ended with the Americans emerging triumphant.