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Paul Revere’s midnight ride on April 18, 1775, was aimed at warning colonists about the British plan to arrest leaders and seize supplies in Lexington and Concord. Although Revere was captured before reaching Concord, his warning, along with the help of William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, allowed the colonial militia to prepare and win the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. -
The Battle of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, was the start of the American Revolutionary War. British troops aimed to seize colonial weapons but were confronted by colonial militias. After the first clash in Lexington and a failed mission in Concord, the British had heavy losses during their retreat to Boston due to colonial hit-and-run tactics. This event was a significant colonial victory and the beginning of the fight for American independence. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, saw colonial forces defend hills near Boston against three British assaults. Even tho the colonists eventually retreated due to running out of ammunition, the British suffered heavy casualties. This battle proved the colonists could stand up to the British army, boosting morale and reinforcing the resolve for independence. -
The Declaration of Independence, primarily written by Thomas Jefferson and revised by a committee and Congress, was adopted on July 4, 1776. Its purpose was to unite the American colonies against Britain and gain foreign support by explaining the reasons for separation and the founding principles of the new nation. -
Thomas Paine’s “The American Crisis” pamphlets, written between 1776 and 1783, were intended to inspire and rally support for the American Revolution. Using relatable language, Paine motivated both the Continental Army and the general public during difficult times. The famous line, “These are the times that try men’s souls,” opened the series, which played a key role in boosting morale and highlighting the importance of the fight for independence. -
On Christmas night in 1776, George Washington led the Continental Army across the icy Delaware River to surprise and defeat Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey. Facing harsh winter conditions, only Washington’s division completed the crossing, but the victory provided a major morale boost and shifted the momentum of the Revolutionary War in favor of the Americans. -
On December 26, 1776, George Washington led the Continental Army across the Delaware River and successfully attacked Hessian forces in Trenton, New Jersey. This decisive victory boosted American morale, secured essential supplies, and strengthened the fight for independence during a crucial time in the Revolutionary War. -
The Battle of Saratoga in 1777 was a major turning point in the American Revolution. American forces defeated the British, leading to the surrender of General Burgoyne. This victory convinced France to ally with the United States, providing essential military and financial support that was instrumental in achieving American independence. -
The British occupation of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, was not due to a single battle but was the result of the Philadelphia Campaign. This campaign included several key engagements, such as the Battle of Brandywine and the Paoli Massacre, leading up to British General Howe’s capture of the city. -
During the winter at Valley Forge (1777-1778), the Continental Army endured severe hardships due to a lack of food, shelter, and supplies, causing widespread suffering. Despite these conditions, under George Washington’s leadership and with training from Baron Von Steuben, the army became a disciplined and professional force, better prepared to fight in the Revolutionary War. -
The Battle of Yorktown in October 1781 marked the end of the American Revolutionary War. American and French forces, aided by a French naval blockade, trapped and defeated the British army led by Lord Cornwallis in the Virginia region. Cornwallis surrendered his entire army on October 19, 1781, securing American independence. -
The most notable Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783, ending the American Revolutionary War and officially recognizing the independence of the United States from Great Britain. Other Treaties of Paris include the 1898 agreement that ended the Spanish-American War, which granted the U.S. new territories, and the 1815 treaty that imposed penalties on France following Napoleon’s defeat.