Battles of the Revolutionary War

1775-1781

Lexington & ConcordApril 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 SenseJanuary 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, NYJuly - 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, NJDecember 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 1777-1778 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 SignedSpring 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 SerapisSeptember 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, VASeptember - 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 ParisSeptember 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.