Battles of the Revolutionary War

Lexington & Concord April 19, 1775 Captain John Parker (P) Thomas Gage & Major Pitcairn (B) British were after the colonist’s supplies (weapons). 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) Allen lead the “Green Mountain Boys” from Vermont The fort was taken without a shot fired. 59 British cannons were captured and were later used in Boston. Henry Knox named commander of the artillery.

Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) June 17, 1775 Samuel Prescott (P) Thomas Gage & 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.

Common Sense January 1776 Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine 126,000 copies sold. Its common sense to break away from England. Public opinion begins to swing to independence.

Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams 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 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. Frances support (money, weapons, navy etc.) now gives patriots the advantage.

Bon Homme Richard vs The Serapis September 23, 1779 Americans lead by John Paul Jones. One of few Naval victories for Americans Jones becomes a hero “I have not yet begun to fight.” France continue to support the Americans

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 all the way to the Mississippi River.