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French Offers Weapons to Americans
Since early 1776, the French have been secretly providing Americans with weapons. -
British Move to Middle States
On March 1776, the British retreat from Boston, which would bring the fight to the Middle states. -
Brothers Unite
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. -
Americans Retreat
Outnumbered by the British, the Americans retreat from New York with heavy losses. -
Michael Graham's Perspective
Michael Graham, a Continental Army volunteer, describes the chaos after losing New York to the British. -
British Push Americans to Pennsylvania
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. -
One Bold Strike on Trenton
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. -
Americans Take Trenton
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. -
Another Inspiring Victory
The Americans win another battle by defeating the Bristish in Princeton, New Jersey. -
British Seize Philadelphia
In Spring 1777, General Howe sends troops to take over Philadelphia, which was the American capital at the time. He ends up taking Philadelphia. -
American Victory at Saratoga
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 at Valley Forge
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. -
Treaty of Cooperation
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. -
Friedrich von Steuben Trains Troops
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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The British Move South
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. -
British Army Takes Savannah, Georgia
By the end of 1778, the British were able to easily take Savannah, Georgia. -
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Marquis de Lafayette Helps the Continental Army
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. -
Royal Governor Commands Georgia
After the British take Georgia, the royal governor once again commands Georgia in Spring 1779. -
Gen. Henry Clinton & Gen. Charles Cornwallis Step In
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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Cornwallis' Conquest
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. -
British Army Captures Charles Town, South Carolina
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. -
French Fleets Arrive
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. -
Cornwallis Takes Camden, South Carolina
In August 1780, Cornwallis defeats the American forces in a battle at Camden, South Carolina. -
British Set Up Forts in South Carolina
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. -
American Victory at Cowpens, South Carolina
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. -
Cornwallis Retaliates
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. -
Gen. Greene Asks Lafayette For Help
Worried about the fight for the South, General Greene asks Marquis de Lafayette for assistance. -
Robert Morris as Superintendent of Finance
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. -
Soldiers Get Paid
Robert Morris and Haym Salomon's efforts result in the troops getting paid in specie (gold coin). -
Cornwallis Surrenders in Yorktown, Virginia
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. -
The British Surrender
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. -
Britain Recognizes American Independence
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. -
Treaty of Paris
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.
