Battles of the Revolutionary War

Lexington & Concord - April 19, 1775 Captain John Parker (P) Thomas Gage & Major Pitcairn (B) British were after the colonists supplies Concord). They met the colonists at Lexington. This was the first shot of the Rev. War.  “Shot heard all around the world!”

Fort Ticonderoga May 10, 1775 Ethan Allen & Benedict Arnold (P) The fort was taken without a shot fired. 59 British cannons were captured and were later used in Boston.

Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) June 17, 1775 Col. William Prescott (P) Gen. Thomas Gage & Maj. Gen. William Howe (B) The British already failed two times in capturing the hill. One the third time they captured it. The Patriots ran out of ammunition. “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” The British lose 1,000 men. Morale victory for Colonists – believe in themselves, showed they could stand up to the British.

Common Sense January 1776 Thomas Paine - Author 126,000 copies sold First widely read literature that openly pushed for independence from Britain. Simply stated that it is common sense to break away from England. Public opinion begins to swing to independence.

Declaration of Independence - July 4, 1776 Thomas Jefferson – wrote original draft and then presented it to Ben Franklin and John Adams who made revisions Formal statement announcing our break with G.B. and new status as an independent nation. Nation’s birth-date. New motivation in fighting the British. Act of Treason.

Long Island, NY July - September 1776 George Washington (P) General Howe (B) 32,000 British v. 19,000 Patriots. Colonists retreat into NJ then into PA. British fail to pursue the retreating colonists. Low point in the Revolution for colonists. Washington almost loses his army.

Trenton, NJ December 25, 1776 George Washington (P) Colonel Rall (Hessians -> B) Washington plans surprise crossing of Delaware River on Christmas night. Hessians are partying on Christmas day. Washington attacks drunken Hessians. Washington saves army and gains much needed supplies.

Saratoga (Turning Point) September 19 - October 17, 1777 John Burgoyne (B) Benedict Arnold & Horatio Gates (P) Burgoyne is defeated by the Patriots who used guerilla warfare. 7,000 British surrender. Continental Army used their strengths of knowing the land. France enters the war due to this Patriot win.

Winter at Valley Forge Winter George Washington (P), Lafayette (France), Von Stueben (Prussian) 1,000 men die due to elements (no shoes, clothing, shelter etc.) Soldiers are trained by Von Stueben Spirits lifted by the spring British could have attacked!

Treaty of Alliance is Signed Spring 1778 Ben Franklin (P) Vergennes (Foreign Minister) King Louis XVI France formally joins the patriots and enters the war as an ally. France’s support (money, weapons, navy etc.) now gives patriots the advantage.

Yorktown, VA September - October 19, 1781 George Washington, Rochambeau (P) Lord Cornwallis (B) British are trapped at the James River. French Navy blocks the Chesapeake Bay.  Blocking the British from leaving. 8,000 British surrender. British decide they cannot win and call it quits! Last major military engagement of the war.

Treaty of Paris September 3, 1783 John Jay and Ben Franklin A treaty is signed. Great Britain formally recognizes the independence of America. America receives all the territory gained between the Atlantic and the Mississippi River.