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Battles at Lexington and Concord
Considered to be the first battle of the American Revolution when the first shots were fired, this battle resulted in the retreat of the Redcoats and the colonists’ victory. The Redcoats were travelling to Concord to seize arms there. Paul Revere warned the colonial militia of the approaching soldiers. Sam Adams and John Hancock were captured by the Redcoats. This battle showed that the colonists were a force to be reckoned with and began what would become the American's effort for freedom. -
Battle of Long Island
This battle was the biggest one of the war. The Redcoats attacked New York City, which was perhaps the most strategic port in America. A brave group called the Maryland 400 held the Redcoats off while Washington’s army retreated. Washington led the Continental Army who tried to defend New York City. General William Howe led the Redcoats in their attack on New York. This battle was a strong victory for the Redcoats. New York City stayed under the control of the Redcoats for the rest of the war. -
Battle of Fort Washington
This fort was the last place on Manhattan Island that the Americans still had under their control. This fort was a very important place because it protected the Hudson River. The colonists lost tons of resources in this battle. Greene led the American colonists protecting the fort. Howe led the Redcoats in three attacks. Magaw had the colonists surrender. It is largely because of Magaw’s officer Demont that the Redcoats won, since he gave the them info, resulting in a surrender to the Redcoats. -
Battle of Trenton
Colonel Rall led the Hessian troops at Trenton. When Washington attacked, they were caught by surprise perhaps because they were drunk from Christmas festivities. The Hessians were unable to defend themselves against the Continental Army, and Rall was shot, so the Hessians surrendered quickly.The colonists won and were able to take supplies, weapons, and prisoners as a result. The Hessian forces were crushed, which had been great help to the Redcoats. This success united the Continental Army. -
Battle of Guilford Court House
In this battle, the Redcoats suffered very intense losses, but technically, Cornwallis’ troops had a tactical victory over Nathanael Greene’s American troops. After this battle, Cornwallis decided not to continue his campaign in the Carolinas and instead went to Virginia, where they would later surrender. It is because of this battle and its numerous losses on the Redcoats' side that they would eventually be defeated in the American Revolution. -
Battle of Yorktown
This was basically the last land battle of the war. Cornwallis and his Redcoats were trapped by the colonists and the French, causing him to surrender to end the war. Washington told Lafayette to block the land route of escape for Cornwallis’ troops, and Washington led his troops to meet up with Rochambeau’s troops.This battle resulted in the surrender of the Redcoats and the victory for the American colonists. This allowed the Americans to gain freedom from Britain and start their own nation.
