Major Battles of the Revolutionary War

Taking Sides: The American Colonists The American army was called the Continental Army. George Washington was appointed as the Commander. Formally trained soldiers were called regulars; officers received a commission ($); uniforms Militias were made up of volunteers from the surrounding area (state/colonial militia)—usually not formally trained.

Taking Sides: The British The British soldiers were also called “redcoats.”

Leaders & Notable Contributors America *Gen. George Washington *Horatio Gates Gen. Nathanael Green Benedict Arnold Early years, he was a popular Patriot soldier and leader. Later, court-martialed for using govt. supplies for his own good Angry about this, he shifted his alligence to Great Britian. Seen as a traitor The British *Gen. Thomas Gage Howe Brothers (Gen. William & Admiral Richard) Gen. John “Johnny” Burgoyne *Gen. Charles Cornwallis

Important Terms Mercenaries/Hessians: British hired soldiers to fight for them (German). Flank: The side or end of a military unit Bayonet: A knife that fixes at the end of a rifle to be used as a weapon Campaign: A series of coordinated military operations

Early in the War Lexington and Concord—first battles Britain’s Mission: to seize and destroy all arms and mutations that were being hidden outside of Boston by the colonists. Paul Revere’s famous ride—to spread the word that the British soldiers were headed for Concord. Heavy British causalities on the way back.

Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) June 17, 1775 Colonists a had strong position overlooking Boston, but ran out of gunpowder. British victory, but both sides suffer heavy losses. Showed that the colonists were not going to give up easily!

The British focus on the Middle Colonies! Battles Between 1776-1777 The British focus on the Middle Colonies!

New York Harbor Summer of 1776 32,000 British soldiers and Hessians approached the New York Harbor. Washington rallied 23,000 men to New York’s defense.

Defeat in New York But Washington was still outnumbered. Most of his troops were untrained and had poor equipment. The battle for New York ended with an American retreat and heavy losses. By late fall, Washington and his army had been pushed across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Majority of his men had deserted or had been killed or captured. Fewer than 8,000 men remained

Battle of Trenton December 1776 Washington surprises the British and hired Hessians by crossing the Delaware River on the night of December 26th.

Victory in Trenton Washington’s surprise attack (with the help from an important spy) leads to the capture of 1,000 Hessians and British officers who were sleeping off their Christmas partying. This is a much needed victory for the Continental Army. Moral was low and Washington was close to losing many of his men because their time of enlistment was up. Won another victory 8 days later at Princeton.

The fight for Philadelphia Spring of 1777 Gen. Howe began to move his troops towards the American capital of Philadelphia. The Continental Congress fled. Washington’s troops were unsuccessful at blocking the redcoats.

Battle of Saratoga The British began to focus on control of the Hudson River—if controlled the Hudson they could isolate the New England colonies from the rest. British Gen. Burgoyne set off with 4,000 redcoats, 3,000 Hessians, and 1,000 loyal Mohawks Continental Army Gen. Horatio Gates met Burgoyne at Saratoga (up-state NY).

Victory at Saratoga American troops surrounded the British and Gen. Burgoyne surrendered to Gen. Gates on October 17, 1777.

The Importance of Saratoga Most important battle of the American Revolution! After the Battle of Saratoga, the French decided to enter the war on the side of the American colonists. 1st country to recognize the United States of America as a country. Later, the Spanish and the Dutch would also enter on the side of America, so England faced a “world war.”

Waiting for the French It would take months for the French help to arrive. In the meantime, the British controlled still New York and parts of New England. Winter approached and Washington was forced to retreat to Valley Forge for the winter.

Winter at Valley Forge Winter camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania was a struggle for Washington’s men. The primitive living conditions forced the men to survive in the harsh winter climate with little shelter and little to no food. Of the 10,000 soldiers who braved the wind, snow, and hunger, more than 2,000 would die.

European Allies Shift the Balance Friedrich von Steuben Prussian captain who volunteered his services to Gen. Washington. Intensively trained Washington’s men Continental army became an effective fighting force

European Allies Shift the Balance Marquis de Lafayette Young French idealist who offered his assistance to Washington’s staff. Survived the winter at Valley Forge with the men and lobbied for French help.

Battles after 1777 The British (Cornwallis at the lead) decided to move south. In Jan. 1781, victory for the Continental Army at Cowpens, S.C. Two months later, Cornwallis attacked again in N.C. British victory, but they suffer heavy losses (1/4 of troops)

British Push North Weakened in N.C., Cornwallis pushes north to Virginia. Tries to capture Continental Army divisions led by Lafayette and von Steuben. Unsuccessful Next, Cornwallis makes a fatal mistake—he led his army of 7,500 onto the peninsula between the James and York Rivers (in Virginia) and camped at Yorktown.

The Battle of Yorktown News of Cornwallis’s camp at Yorktown reaches the Continental Army. Not far from this, the French have just arrived. Lafayette suggests that the American and French armies join and attack Cornwallis.

The Siege at Yorktown The French and American troops surround the British on the Yorktown peninsula; prevent a rescue by sea Bombard the British day and night for about 3 weeks. On October 17, 1781, Cornwallis finally raised the white flag in surrender.

Victory at Yorktown On October 19, 1781, Washington, the French generals, and their troops assemble to accept the surrender of the British.