Battles of the American Revolution Unit 3

American Revolution

Lexington and Concord Date: April 19, 1775 Cause: British soldiers came to confiscate weapons that the militia were storing. Summary: British troops (redcoats) marched into Lexington and fought 70 minutemen. After the minutemen retreated, the British troops marched to Concord where they were stopped at the North Bridge by colonial troops. Why important: First battle of the American Revolution “Shots Heard Around the World” Victor: Colonial troops won at the North Bridge

Battle of Saratoga Date: October , 1777 Cause: British troops retreated to Saratoga for supplies after being defeated in Vermont Summary: Colonial troops blocked and surrounded British troops. British troops surrendered. Why important? turning point of the war; France joined the colonists after this victory, tipping the scale. European countries realized colonists could win. Victor: Continental Army (colonists)

Winter at Valley Forge Date: winter of Summary: after suffering several defeats, Washington took his army to Valley Forge for the winter. The winter was harsh and men suffered from starvation and frostbite. Why important: the men were trained and became more of a professional army (rather than militias). George Washington became known as a great leader.

Battle of Yorktown Date: September - October 19, 1781 Cause: George Washington’s spies discovered the location of General Cornwallis’ troops and planned an ambush. Event Summary: Continental and French troops surrounded General Cornwallis on land and by sea in Chesapeake Bay. British and Hessian (German) troops were trapped and ran out of supplies. Colonial troops attacked and the British surrendered. Why important: Last Battle of the American Revolution Victor: Continental Army wins the war!

Battle of Yorktown

Colonial Leader and Advantages Leader: General George Washington Advantages: – Americans were fighting on their own land and new the land better. – Patriots (Americans) had more motivation- they wanted to be free! – Leader George Washington.

British Leader and Advantages Leader: General Charles Cornwallis Advantages: – Strongest army in the world – More money to spend on war – Best navy in the world

Allies France – Marquis de Lafayette Spain – Juan de Miralles Poland – Thaddeus Kosciuszko – Casimir Pulaski Prussia – Friedrich von Steuben

Treaty of Paris Date: September 2, 1783 Location: France Officially ended the American Revolution Britain recognized the independent nation of the United States of America. Britain agreed to remove all of its troops from America. The treaty also set new borders for the United States including all land from the Great Lakes on the north to Florida on the south, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River.

Treaty of Paris