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Benedict Arnold defeated at Valcour Island
Sir Guy Carleton and the British fleet defeat Benedict Arnold in Lake Champlain, New York. Although all of the colonists ships were destroyed, it took the British troops two days to do so, and solidified American ground forces. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/benedict-arnold-and-the-battle-of-valcour-island -
Washington crosses the Delaware
On Christmas night 1776, George Washington and his Army crossed the Delaware river. Despite freezing temperatures on an icy winter night, Washington was victorious as they captured Trenton, New Jersey. http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/the-trenton-princeton-campaign/10-facts-about-washingtons-crossing-of-the-delaware-river/ -
Flag Resolution of 1777
On June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed the resolution and selected the flag for America. The National Flag became known as 'stars and stripes'. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/continental-congress-chooses-national-flag -
Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia
Lafayette was a French Aristocrat who learned of the American fight for Independence and wanted to fight alongside them. He arrived in Philadephia on July 27th, 1777 and was welcomed with open arms among American forces. http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/served/lafayette.html -
Battle of Brandywine
The Battle of Brandywine was a setback for the Colonists. Led by General William Howe, the British advanced and pushed the Americans back toward Philadelphia. http://www.britishbattles.com/war-of-the-revolution-1775-to-1783/battle-of-brandywine-creek/ -
Paoli Massacre
In Paoli, PA, thousands of British Troops led a suprise attack on the Americans. Although this became a turning point, it still caused the death of hundreds of American soldiers http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/redcoats-kill-sleeping-americans-in-paoli-massacre -
Battle of Germantown
As one of the significant battles early in the war, Americans were unable to take advantage of the poorly defended British camp and suffered twice as many losses and injuries as the British. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-germantown -
British capture Fort Mifflin, PA
Once again under the direction of Vice Admiral Lord Richard Howe, the British defeated the American army despite George Wasington's best efforts. http://www.fortmifflin.us/the-history/ -
The French Alliance
France signed a militay alliance with America against Great Britian. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce was also signed encouraging trade and unity among France and America. https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/alliance.html -
Washington's Army leaves Valley Forge
Leaving Valley Forge was a tactical move for George Washington. Now that France was in the war, Washington moved his men a mile away and waitied for the British to attack. http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/history/vstory_leaving.html -
Anthony Wayne captures Stony Point
The Battle of Stony Point was a well executed night time attack by the Americans. Led by Brigidier General Anthony Wayne, this victory over the British was a huge moral victory for the Continental Army. http://www.revolutionarywararchives.org/stonypoint.html -
British capture Charleston, South Carolina
After losing the battles at Saratoga, the British concentrated on the southern colonies. British forces outnumbered American forces 10,000 to 5,000 as the British took a victory. http://www.hobart.k12.in.us/gemedia/amrev/revwar/2charles.htm -
Pennsylvania Line Mutiny
The Pennsylvania Line Mutiny was a pushback by the American Army in which the Continental Army soldiers wanted better pay and better housing conditions. https://allthingsliberty.com/2014/01/mutiny-pennsylvania-line/ -
Articles of Confederation ratified
The Articles of Confederation created a 'weak' central government with most of the power in states governments. https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/articles.html -
British Surrender at Yorktown
Charles Cornwallis brought 8,000 troops to Yorktown and was surrounded by American and French troops. With no way to exit, and General Lafayette blocking the city exits, Cornwallis surrendered to the Americans. http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/revolut/jb_revolut_yorktown_1.html -
Lord North resigns as British Prime Minister
After the British Surrendered in Yorktown, British Prime Minister North resigned but was rather forced out of office with a motion of no confidence. He tried to salvage the British by proposing the Conciliation Plan which the colonists rejected. https://worldhistoryproject.org/1782/3/20/lord-north-resigns-as-british-prime-minister -
Preliminary Articles of Peace
After the surrender at Yorktown and Prime Minister North's resignation, the American peace commissioners (Ben Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams) let the British know they were willing to compromise and drafted the Preliminay Articles of Peace -
Congress Ratifies Preliminary Peace Treaty
13 colonies ratified the Preliminary Peace Treaty with Great Britian; one step closer to bringing this war to a close. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/congress-ratifies-peace-with-great-britain -
Treaty of Paris Signed
The American Revolution officially comes to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Paris with the United States, Britian, France, and Spain all present. This solidifies the United States' standing as an independent nation. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/treaty-of-paris-signed -
British Troops leave New York City
Three months after the Treaty of Paris was signed, British troops withdraw from New York City; their last militay position in the United States. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/last-british-soldiers-leave-new-york
