AMERICAN REVOLUTION BATTLE SPREADSHEET

What happened in the “Early Years” of the War What happened in the “Early Years” of the War? (Summer of 76- Fall of 1777) Battle of Long Island Battle of Trenton (Princeton) Battle of Saratoga

Key Battles Long Island– August of 1776 huge Patriot defeat almost ended the war in 1st battle Washington’s army escapes retreats for the next several months

What was the importance of Nathan Hale American spy Captured by British after battle of Long Island- he was executed. “I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Why Trenton and Princeton were important battles early in the war? Early American victories December 1776 – Trenton (January 1777)- Princeton Help to “save” Revolution.

Battle of Trenton Washington had been retreating for months His army was starting to fall apart He was camped in Pennsylvania Decides to launch an attack on Hessian troops that were in Trenton(NJ) Christmas Night he crosses the Delaware River and attacks the following day.

Washington Crosses the Delaware River – Dec 25th -1776

Hessians Hired soldiers- fighting for British Came from present day Germany

The Delaware River is less than 300 yards (268m) wide at the point where Washington’s army crossed It took the American army roughly 4 hours to march from the river crossing site to the outskirts of Trenton Temperatures for the crossing ranged from 29 degrees to 33 degrees, with brisk winds coming out of the north east.

Future US President James Monroe crossed with the American forces and was wounded at the Battle of Trenton. Washington chose the challenge or counter-sign of “Victory or Death” for his forces who crossed the river. George Washington was 44 years old at the time of the Delaware River crossing. There were roughly 1,380 Hessian soldiers in and around Trenton at the start of the battle.

Battle of Saratoga October 1777 Upstate New York Continental Army - stop British & forces surrender of an entire British Army This is turning point battle of the war After news reaches Europe- France joins the Americans as allies.

Battle of Saratoga This is turning point battle of the war After news reaches Europe- France joins the Americans as allies.

British Strategy 1777

Valley Forge

Washington’s troops winter at Valley Forge. Winter encampment 20 miles west of Philadelphia (British controlled Philly at the time) Washington’s determination -kept the army together Army suffered through terrible winter.

Why is Valley Forge important Continental “Army” is transformed Entered as a undisciplined mob Left as a well trained fighting force

Continental troops enter Valley Forge.

Important people at Valley Forge Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin von Steuben Von Steuben Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier

What was Washington’s Strategy at the end of the war? Washington’s main army was camped : Near NYC Keeping eye on British French forces were expected to arrive: Washington decides to attack British in Virginia (not NYC)

Autumn 1780 -

August 1781 C- Patriot forces have a siege of British forces at Yorktown. Siege?

September 1781 Washington’s forces trap Cornwallis forces

October 9- Battle (Siege) of Yorktown begins Last about 2 weeks Patriot forces continually move closer to British positions. Finally Cornwallis surrenders on October 19, 1781.

Battle of Yorktown

October 19- Battle (Siege) of Yorktown ends Finally Cornwallis surrenders on October 19,1781