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Since early 1776, the French have been secretly providing Americans with weapons.
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On March 1776, the British retreat from Boston, which would bring the fight to the Middle states.
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General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe join forces on Staten Island. They would then send 32,000 men, including German mercenaries, to New York.
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Outnumbered by the British, the Americans retreat from New York with heavy losses.
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Michael Graham, a Continental Army volunteer, describes the chaos after losing New York to the British.
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By late fall, the British had pushed Washington's army across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. About 8,000 men were left under Washington's command.
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On Christmas night, George Washington makes a daring move by sending 2,400 men across the icy Delaware River. Their destination would be Trenton, New Jersey.
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After walking 9 miles, they reach Trenton, which was occupied by the Hessians (German mercenaries). Because he Hessians drank rum the night before, the Americans were able to take over, killing 30 and capturing 918 others. They also took 6 Hessian cannons.
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The Americans win another battle by defeating the Bristish in Princeton, New Jersey.
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In Spring 1777, General Howe sends troops to take over Philadelphia, which was the American capital at the time. He ends up taking Philadelphia.
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American General Horatio Gates and his army surround Bristish General John Burgoyne, who surrenders after his plan to take New England went wrong. This victory ends up earning the Americans support from France. Also, this changes the British's war strategy by keeping their troops towards the coast.
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Albigense Waldo works as a surgeon from the winter of 1777 to 1778 at Valley Forge, located outside of Philadelphia. The conditions in Valley Forge were harsh and cold. More than 2,000 men died from these conditions.
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On February 1778, the French sign the treaty of cooperation, which forms an alliance with the Americans. As part of the terms, France was not allowed to make peace with the British until Britain recognizes American independence.
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In February 1778, Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian captain and drillmaster, volunteers to train Geore Washington's army. With his training, the Continental Army grew stronger.
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After losing the battle in Saratoga, the British move their operations to the South, where they hope to take back their colonies and fight towards the North.
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By the end of 1778, the British were able to easily take Savannah, Georgia.
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A French aristocrat, named Marquis de Lafayette, helps the Continental Army by sending reinforcements from France and by leading a command in Virginia for the remainder of the war.
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After the British take Georgia, the royal governor once again commands Georgia in Spring 1779.
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General Henry Clinton, General Charles Cornwallis, and 8,500 men sail South. General Clinton had replaced General Howe in New York.
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For most of 1780, Cornwallis was able to take South Carolina. As his army advances, he gains support from escaped colonial slaves, who hope to gain their freedom after the war.
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The British Army captures Charles Town, South Carolina as well as taking 5,500 American soldiers captive. Then, Gen. Clinton leaves for New York, leaving Cornwallis to conquer South and North Carolina.
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Sometime in 1780, a French army of 6,000 men land in Newport, Rhode Island while the British focused on the South. The French left one fleet in Rhode Island and another in the West Indies. When they discovered about Cornwallis' plan, they decided to move their two fleets and meet up with the Americans at Yorktown.
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In August 1780, Cornwallis defeats the American forces in a battle at Camden, South Carolina.
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Within 3 months after taking Camden, South Carolina, the British established forts across the state. However, the British were unable to advance to North Carolina due to the American forces.
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With only 600 soldiers and outnumbered by the British, American General Daniel Morgan and his troops were able to force the British to surrender in Cowpens, South Carolina.
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Angered by the defeat at Cowpens, South Carolina, he attacks American General Nathaniel Greene at Guildford Court House, North Carolina. Despite his victory, Cornwallis loses 93 men, over 400 were wounded, and 26 were missing.
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Worried about the fight for the South, General Greene asks Marquis de Lafayette for assistance.
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In 1781, the Congress appoints Robert Morris as superintendent of finance. Morris, along with his Jewish associate, Haym Salomon, were able to provide salaries for the Continental Army by using personal credit.
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Robert Morris and Haym Salomon's efforts result in the troops getting paid in specie (gold coin).
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At Yorktown, the French naval force had defeated the British fleet, preventing the British from being rescued by sea. After 3 weeks of being bombarded by the army of 17,000 French and American soldiers, Cornwallis is surrounded and is forced to surrender.
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George Washington, the French Generals, and their troops assemble to meet with the British, who surrender. Representing Cornwallis, General Charles O'Hara hands over his sword and the British troops laid down their arms as well.
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In 1782, representatives from the United States, Britain, France, Spain made negotiations. Before making any negotiations, the Unites States demanded Britiain to recognize American independence. Once they agreed, the negotiations began.
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In September 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed. This confirmed U.S. indpendence and set the boundaries for this nation. The treaty created several future problems with the Native Americans and the British.
