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Declaration of Independence
Formally approved on July 4th, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He explains that people have rights that shouldn't be taken away from them. The main point he wanted to put across was that the colonist should be free from Great Britain's control. As a result, this led to the colonist independence. -
Battle of Saratoga
It consisted of two battles one on September and one on October. The battles were a crucial point in the American Revolution because it ultimately lead the British to surrender. General John Burgoyne, known to have created an invasion scheme, had roughly around 7,000 men. On October,7,1777 Generals troops crashed and his army was broken. 86% of General's troops were captured and as a result they lost the war, however to the Americans benefit. -
Execution of Nathan Hale
Nathan Hale, A former captain of the Continental army, he was executed for spying on the British. He offered to go to Britain's territory to learn about their tactics in preparation for a upcoming battle. He successfully gathered intel about their strategy but he was captured trying to sail back into American territory. Hale was later questioned by General William Howe and learned that he had incriminating documents against them. General ordered his execution for spying the next morning. -
Battle of Brandywine
A British attack launched by General Sir William Howe erupted the battle of Brandywine. On September,11,1777 the British army, formerly known as the ''redcoats'', triumphed over the Americans obligating them to withdraw from Philadelphia. This war went on for a total of 11 hours. Eventually, the British were victorious and seized the Philadelphia land. -
Battle of Germantown
After winning Philadelphia against the Americans,General William Howe took his troops to camp to Germantown. Washington took this opportunity to launch a surprise attack on the British at their camp. Even though the Americans had the benefit of a surprise attack it did not work out in their favor. The British ended up driving away the Americans causing more fatalities than before. This led to the Americans questioning Washington's authority. Despite their failures their army is getting stronger. -
Washington's winter at Valley Forge
Even after winning the Battle of Saratoga, Washington and the Continental army were still suffering defeats. General Washington moved his army to Valley Forge for the winter. While marching into Valley Forge the army was not only suffering from the freezing temperature, lack of food, and fatigue but also from the disastrous effects of the Philadelphia Campaign. The Valley offered the Continental Army a close proximity to the city, Philadelphia as well as access to firewood and water. -
France and the United States become allies
France and the Unites States signed 2 treaties, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance, in Paris. The Treaties were informed that the U.S were to be seen as an independent nation. France also received benefits because they are allowed to conquer the British West Indies. France and the United States were eager to help each other because of their common anger towards the British taking control of the American Empire. The continental Congress ratified the treaties on May, 1778. -
Battle of Barren Hill
Out of all the battles of the Revolutionary War the battle of Barren Hill was minor. Washington was informed that the British were to retreat back to New York, So he sent General Marquis de Lafayette to take a stand in Barren Hill. General had his troops ready in position to attack, however the British was able to surround the Americans. The next morning the British attacked and General ordered the troops to flee. This attack may not have given them a victory but it did end with few casualties. -
Battle of Monmouth
Henry Clinton, British's new commander,deserted Philadelphia and began to march the army north. The battle was fought near Monmouth courthouse. With Philadelphia abandoned General George Washington saw that as the perfect chance to attack the British at the rear. Leading Charles Lee, General of the Continental army, to retreat. Washington was astonished at his army's disarray. The battle ended as a draw between the Americans and the British, However to some Congress took the victory. -
Benedict Arnold's betrayal
Benedict Arnold was a well trusted leader in the Continental army. Although that title changed when he met with British Major John Andre planning to hand over West Point, Fort in the Hudson River, in exchange for money and a high rank in the British army. He conspired with Henry Clinton to hand over West Point and his troops. The scheme was exposed and Andre was executed. Arnold fled to the British's side and led the troops. Who was once known as an American hero is now remembered as a traitor. -
Battle of Cowpens
This was one of the battles where the Americans were victorious. There was a high amount of casualties the British faced. During the battle the British accidentally saw the Americans relocation as a route and ran straight into their rifles. This proved Americans can fight against the British without any benefiting factors such as surprise attacks and geography to help them. Over 800 British troops were either killed or captured while the Americans suffered fewer than 100 fatalities. -
Articles of Confederation
The articles are written documents formed by the 13 colonies. It established the positions of the government after they declared independence from their mother country, Great Britain. After many discussions and debates it was approved by congress and introduced as the first constitution in March,1,1781. -
Battle of Yorktown
The battle took place around Yorktown,Virginia led by George Washington. The last attack took place on October,14 that ultimately led to the Americans winning the war. 2 British troops were captured causing them to surrender. Battle of Yorktown was war that ended the Revolutionary War. Some time after the Americans victory the British began to Arrange peace between them and the americans. -
The Netherlands recognize America's Independence
Still at war with the British for independence,Congress decides to appoint Henry Laurens as the minister of the Netherlands. While the British navy is on their way to Europe they capture Laurens holding a draft of the treaty between the Americans and the Netherlands.This angered the British leading them to declare war on them in 1780. Since, they were a republic the two maintained relations. The Netherlands are the second nation to formerly acknowledge the United States as an Independent Nation! -
The Treaty of Paris
Signed by representatives of the United States of America and representatives of King George lll of Great Britain. The treaty ended the war between the French and Indian which prolonged over the course of 7 years.This led to the French surrendering all its territories to North America.
