Battles of the American War for Independence

Lexington and Concord

On April 19 th 1775, fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord. The battle was between the British soldiers (The Redcoats) and the Colonial “Minutemen”

Lexington and Concord The British had marched to the two towns hoping to seize (take) a warehouse of weapons. They also wanted to arrest several Colonial leaders.

Lexington and Concord No one knows who fired the first shot but it was known as “The shot heard ‘round the world”. This is also considered the start of the American War for Independence.

Battle of Long Island

In 1776 Washington and his soldiers occupied New York City. During the battle, the British drove Washington and his army out of the city.

Battle of Long Island The British troops then took control and occupied New York City for most of the war.

Battle of White Plains

Washington and the Colonial army were defeated. But Washington managed to keep the army intact and retreated across the Delaware River.

Battle of Trenton

On December 26 th, Washington decided to re-cross the Delaware River and surprise attack the British soldiers.

Battle of Trenton This helped them win the battle. This victory raised morale among the American soldiers.

Battle of Saratoga

The British made a plan that would divide the colonies in two parts. They knew that if the colonies were divided then it would be easier to defeat them.

Battle of Saratoga But the British General Howe made a mistake by leaving New York City and marching to capture Philadelphia first.

Battle of Saratoga This gave the colonists time to prepare for the battle. Due to the British’s errors, the American army won the battle. This battle is seen as a major victory.

Battle of Saratoga One of the American’s fighting in this battle was Wentworth Cheswell. This battle was seen as a turning point in the war.

Winter at Valley Forge

The victory at Saratoga did not mean total victory for the Americans. Washington marched his tired troops to Valley Forge and stationed them there to rest for the winter.

Winter at Valley Forge Although no actual battle was fought at Valley Forge, it ended up being a major test for Washington’s army.

Winter at Valley Forge Washington had 12,000 troops and soon they faced food and clothing shortages. He even faced threats to his leadership.

Winter at Valley Forge The soldiers had no shoes and no warm clothes. This made the long marches in the snow made the situation worse.

Winter at Valley Forge Washington did use this time at Valley Forge to train his troops. Baron von Steuben and The Marquis de Lafayette came and trained the soldiers.

War in the South

The British thought the Southern land owners would side with the British and they were wrong.

War in the South The Spanish helped the colonists and they were led by Bernardo de Galvez. He shipped the colonists supplies and even protected Louisiana and the Mississippi River from British attacks.

War on the High Seas

The British had a very strong navy and the Americans lacked one. So the colonists relied on privateers (private ships).

War on the High Seas In 1779, John Paul Jones became an American naval hero. He took his ship and faced off against a larger warship in the British Navy.

War on the High Seas Jones did not give up and managed to defeat the warship and this boosted morale among the colonists.

Battle of Yorktown

After many years the war finally came to an end in Yorktown, Virginia.

Battle of Yorktown Washington, with the help of the French, forced British general Cornwallis into a corner on a peninsula.

Battle of Yorktown The water around the peninsula was occupied by French ships. Washington’s troops blocked the only land route.

Battle of Yorktown This was the last major battle of the war. The British were forced to accept defeat. The British surrendered on October 19 th, 1781.

Battle of Yorktown The Treaty of Paris 1783 was later signed and the United States became its own country.