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The Battles of Lexington and Concord
These were the first battles of the American Revolution. Colonists were gathering up arms and British soldiers were sent to Concord to capture and destroy their supplies. Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott warned the MinuteMen (Massachusetts militia) and gave them time to prepare. No one knows who fired first, it is known as "the shot heard round the world". The British retreated, Thomas Gage leading them in disgrace. 95 Patriots died and 273 Redcoats died. -
The Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
Fort Ticonderoga was a British fort in upstate New York, it was occupied by 49 Redcoats. The fort was coveted because it controlled a route between Canada and the colonies. So Ethan Allen, Benedict Arnold, and 80 of Allen's Green Mountain Boys (Vermont Patriots) were sent to capture it. The British were not prepared for fighting, some say all the guards were sleeping, and they surrendered without resistance. The cannons and gunpowder captured were later sent to Boston colonial militia. -
The 2nd Continental Congress
The 2nd Continental Congress met in Independence Hall, and consisted of delegates from all 13 colonies.Together, they: made laws, created a national army, appointed George Washington as Commander in Chief, directed the war, ratified the Declaration of Independence (7/4/1776), etc. They also drafted the Articles of Confederation (first federal constitution) it set a legal basis and permanent union. It was adopted 11/15/1777, and was put into effect 3/1/1781 when Maryland finally ratified it. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The colonists have siege of redcoats in Boston, they hear that British Lt. General Gage is planning to fortify higher grounds, so 1,000 colonists are ordered to defend "Bunker" Hill. General Israel Putnam sends troops to Breed's Hill instead, which is closer to Boston. The British, advance and retreat twice, but the Americans start to run out of ammo, and on the third advance, the British take the hill. It's the bloodiest battle, with 450 Patriots and 1,000 British dead or wounded. -
General Howe
William Howe was an important British general of the American Revolution. He was named interim Commander in Chief of the British forces on October 10th, 1775. He led many battles, including those of Bunker Hill, Brandywine, and Long Island; while also leading the invasion of New York City. Howe is pegged for many British failures and missed opportunities. He resigned and was replaced by Henry Clinton in 1778. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine published "Common Sense". Due to it's simple language, it resonated with the colonists and soon became the best-selling printed work of America in the 1700s. He gave all profits to the American cause. The pamphlet questioned monarchies, listed the rights of mankind, and said freedom from Britain was essential. Thomas published other works like "The American Crisis" which was read to soldiers to inspire them. Paine is known as a very influential man. -
Battle of Trenton
On the night of Christmas, 1776, Washington and 2,400 troops crossed the Delaware. They reached Trenton, their target, with no alarm sounded. Once there, they attacked the 1,200 bewildered Hessians (British hired German mercenaries). The American forces were led by Maj. General Greene and Maj. General Sullivan. After a quick battle, four Patriots are killed or wounded but the Americans capture guns, gunpowder, and 900 prisoners. This win (and Princeton's) inspired more Patriots to join or stay. -
The Battle of Princeton
An angry Maj. Gen. Cornwallis leaves Princeton with 8,000 troops to attack at Trenton.Two more regiments join Washington, the Patriots number 6,800 we they engage with Cornwallis. The fighting halts at night and the Americans sneak away. They attack Princeton in the morning, the British surrender. The Americans only lose 45 men, but the British lose arms, 400 men, and King George II's head (Hamilton's doing). These battles were crucial because they renewed faith in the American cause. -
Valley Forge
Washington moved 11,000 troops to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to rest for the winter (77-78). They had little shelter, little clothes, and little food. Nearly 3,000 Patriots died, the loyalty of those surviving was tested. Prussian veteran Baron Augustus von Steuben was brought in to train our troops. He used a smart and aggressive plan to teach them discipline and military tactics. Our soldiers emerged well trained, now some of the best trained troops in the current world. -
The Battle of Yorktown: The World Turned Upside Down
Maj. General Cornwallis takes 9,700 men to Yorktown, VA in August. By September, a combined force of over 22,000 French and American troops completely surround Yorktown. Cornwallis receives news of reinforcements and awaits them as the French and Americans shell the city, creeping closer. The English start to run out of supplies. On October 19th, Cornwallis sends an officer to officially surrender. 150 English died, 325 wounded; 80 Patriot troops die, 300 wounded. https://youtu.be/NpsuEcKW8ZE -
Lord North
Lord North was the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1770 to 1782. His acts on the colonies helped trigger the war. He supported things such as the Tea Act and the "Intolerable Acts". Word of Cornwallis's surrender reached parliament on this day. Lord North resigned in 1782, after England lost the war. -
The Treaty of Paris (1783)
Representatives from England and America met in France to sign the Treaty of Paris. John Jay, John Adams, and Ben Franklin went for America. The treaty formally ended the war, established the United States of America as independent, and mapped out our new nation's borders.The British delegates were mad and didn't pose for the portrait of the signing, leaving it unfinished. On November 25th, 1783 the British completely evacuated America.
