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Battle of Lexington and Concord
Became the first sights where British army and colonial militias battle over control of the colonies. The clashes mark the start of the war for independence from Great Britain. It was important because it was one of the first events that started the war. General Gage, Paul Revere, Caption John Parker were important people during this period. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
British Troops invade colonial fortifications overlooking Boston in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Israel Putnam led a few hundred men up Breed’s Hill. William Howe ordered an immediate attack, 2000 British more than 1000 British troops’ and nearly half that many Americans were killed or wounded. This is an important event because they were fighting for their freedom. Israel Putnam and General William Howe were some important people. -
The Declaration of Independence
The delegates approved a final copy of the Declaration of Independence. As they signed the document, they pledged to support independence with “our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.” The Declaration of Independence is approved by the Second Continental Congress and declares to the world the British Colonies are now an independent nation. This was an important date because it was the day that the U.S. won their independence. Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were some important people. -
The Battle of New York
The American and British armies met in Brooklyn, New York for a battle. In 2 days of fighting, British lost 377 men, and America lost 1,407 men. British forces chased the Americans out of New York, through New Jersey, and finally across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Joseph Martin and Thomas Mifflin were important people. This was an important event because fort Washington was destroyed and British captured 3000 Americans. -
Battle of Trenton
1776 Washington’s army crossed the icy Delaware River in small boats. An officer reported to Washington that the troops’ guns were too wet to fire so they had to use the bayonets. They captured 868 prisoners without losing a single man. George Washington and Howe were important people. This event was important because the Americans gained confidence in winning the Revolutionary War. -
Battle of Princeton
The Americans captured another 300 British Troops at Princeton, New Jersey. These battles convinced Howe that it would take more than capturing New York City and issuing pardons to win the war. This war was important because it made them believe that they could still succeed to win the war. George Washington and Howe were important people in this time. -
Battle of Saratoga
France came into the war as an ally of the U.S. French government sent in money, weapons, troops and warships to the Americans. In late 1777, Congress declared a day of thanksgiving for the army’s successes. This was important because it was considered the turning point of the Revolutionary War. George Washington and Joseph Martin were important at this time. -
Battle of Monmouth
George Washington led his troops in an attack on retreating British forces. Although the Americans won, the British were able to slip away during the night and sail away safely to New York. This was important because the Americans were becoming poor and didn’t have a lot of things. George Washington and Henry Clinton were important at this time. -
The Battle of Yorktown
The British, Americans and the French were all involved in the Battle of Yorktown. Joseph Martin watched as the flag was raised to signal that the American and French gunners should open fire on Yorktown. This war was important because it was close to the end of the Revolutionary War. Joseph Martin and Cornwallis were important people. -
The Treaty of Paris
Representatives of the U.S. and Great Britain signed a peace treaty in Paris. Great Britain agreed to recognize the United States as an Independent nation. Great Britain gave up its claims to all lands between the Atlantic Coast and the Mississippi River, from the border of Canada south to Florida. U.S. agreed to return all rights and property taken from Loyalists during the war. This was important because it ended the Revolutionary War. U.S. and Great Britain representatives were important.
