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Battle of Lexington and Concord
This began with the British planning a search for the colonists' military supplies. The colonists found out this plan was going to take place and ambushed the British upon their arrival. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
This occured at Bunker Hill after the American win at Concord, and the Americans won this battle as well. The colonists did end up having to retreat, but after they had killed 1,100 British. -
Capture of Montreal
The forces in America planned in September to invade Canada, thinking they wanted to rid themselves of British rule. When they arrived at Montreal, there was nothing to stop them. -
Assault on Quebec
During their invasion of Canada, the Americans made their way toward Quebec. Two separate forces were sent, one under the command of Arnold, the other under the command of Montgomery. Arnold's force (which arrived first) was forced to call off their attack after their opponents wouldn't back down. Montgomery arrived much later, and the two generals planned a second attack. Unfortunately, a big snow storm struck and made some of their weapons impossible to use. A British counterattack ended it. -
Battle of Long Island
General Howe began sending his troops through the channel between Staten Island and Long Island on the 22nd. Washington sent about 10,000 to hopefully slow this attack. The British won with 400 deaths, and the Continental Army lost with 300 deaths but over 1,000 captured or missing. -
Battle of the White Plains
General Howe launched this attack, killing about 230 from the Continental Army. However, Washington was able to retreat to the North. -
"Something Must Be Attempted to Revive our Expiring Credit"
This document was addressed by George Washington to Joseph Spencer from his quarters in northwestern Pennsylvania, discussing their expiring credit (in 60 days). -
"The American Crisis"
This document was written by Thomas Paine, a popular writer in America. He discusses Britain's taxing bind to us, and how he does not consider this "slavery". He writes further about independence of America later in the document. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington took his army across the Delaware River (toward Trenton) on Christmas day. The day after, the Continental Army was able to take the British army stationed there by surprise, winning the battle. -
Battle of Princeton
Planning to attack again after success at Trenton, Washington and his army crossed the Delaware River once again on the 30th of December. A large British force was waiting at Trenton, but the Americans got over that obstacle. Another British force was waiting at Princeton, but the Americans were still able to drive them out. -
Excerpts from a Report bya Committee of the Continental Congress on the Conduct of the Enemy
This, as explained in the title, was from a committee of the Continental Congress discussing the conduct of the enemy, and how Kings and parliament would view this conduct. -
Battle of Ticonderoga
From Canada, the British began to move south but Fort Ticonderoga was standing in their way. The Americans thought it to be too large of an obstacle for the British to get by, but the British were able to get by it. The Americans saw the British, and evacuated in fear of the British cannons. On the 6th, the British had no one to hold them back, leaving them to be the victors. -
Battle of Fort Stanwix
Americans and British fought and Fort Stanwix, neither giving up for a long time. Benedict Arnold decided to send a force of Americans to help, and the British retreated on the 20th after hearing this (though the battle didn't officially end until the 23rd). -
Battle of Brandywine
Washington stationed his men on Brandywine River, ready for the attack. But the British cleverly divided up their army, making their attack more difficult to see coming. Washington was forced to retreat. -
Battle of Saratoga
Benedict Arnold held off this British attack in the first of two battles at Saratoga. This was followed by a counterattack from the Americans in the next battle at Saratoga. -
Battle of Saratoga 2
This second battle at Saratoga consisted of one last attempt on the British side, but they were stopped once again with a counterattack from the Americans. -
From the Diary of Albigence Waldo, Surgeon at Valley Forge
This document was from the diary of a surgeon at Valley Forge, the place where the Continental Army spent spent the winters of 1777-1778. She talks about the overall health of the army and she also describes certain patients that come in. -
Excerpts from a letter from George Washington to the Continental Congress
This letter was written by George Washington in Valley Forge. He states that his army will most likely be "reduced to one or other of these three things. Starve, dissolve, or disperse...". He talks about the fact that his army has also had no assistance and unless things change, his army will "starve, dissolve, or disperse...". -
Excerpt from a letter from George Washington to John Banister
This was written by George Washington addressing John Banister, both men from Virginia. In the letter he discusses the establishment of the Army succeeding. -
Battle of Monmouth
Suspecting an attack from the French were Howe and his army were staying in Philadelphia, they evacuated and went on their way to New York. Washington attacked them on their way, but the Americans lost the battle.