Key Battles of the American Revolution

Lexington & Concord

Apr 19, 1775

http://www.history.com/topics/battles-of-lexington-and-concord
This battle started off the American Revoluton. The night of April 18, 1775, hundreds of British troops marched from Boston to Concord, to take the weapons from the Colonist. Lexington, the town next to Concord is where the battle took place.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 17, 1775

http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/videos#britain-wins-a-costly-victory-at-bunker-hill
This was the first battle actually planned in the Revolution. It was a close fight between the Patriots and the British but the British ended up with the victory and the Patriots surrendered. It was meant to be fought on Bunker Hill but instead took place on Breed’s hill.

Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

http://www.history.com/topics/declaration-of-independence
During June of 1776, a group of men,Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston were challenged to make a a formal list of the colonies intentions in writing. It stated that the colonies are all free and independent. Later, the writing was finshed and signed by the founding fathers, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Washington.

Battle of New York

Oct 28, 1776

http://www.historycentral.com/Revolt/NY.html
British landed first on Staten Island. Their plan was to take the colonies under control. British troops outnumbered Washington and his men by many, so General Washington had to call in additional soldiers. Washington ended up having to withdraw to the Delaware River.

Battle of Trenton

Dec 26, 1776

http://www.doublegv.com/ggv/battles/Trenton.html
Washington decided to attack the Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey. He planned for the fight to happen on Christmas, so therefore it wouldn’t be expected. On December 25, at midnight, Washington crossed the Delaware River. After crossing, they arrived in Trenton where the Hessians were staying and performed a surprise attack on them. The Hessians were caught off guard and Washington’s troops won the battle.

Battle of Princeton

Jan 3, 1777

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-battle-of-princeton
Cornwallis decided to enter Trenton on January 2nd, after being very concernced with Washingtons win over the British troops. His plan was to suprise Washingtons exhausted troops later that evening. Forty Patriots ended up being killed during this battle, but 275 British Soldiers also were killed. After that defeat over the British, The Howe brothers then left most of New Jersey to Washinton.

Battle of Saratoga

Oct 7, 1777

http://www.history.com/topics/battle-of-saratoga
This was a turning point for the American Revolution. Burgoyne arrived at Saratoga Springs, and it was full of Militia. All of them outnumbered the British by far. An attack still took place and ended with Burgoyne’s army surrendering. Afterwards, the French decided to team up with the Americans against the British.

Valley Forge

Dec 19, 1777

http://www.ushistory.org/ValleyForge/
Washington’s army went to Valley Forge to make camp for the winter. Even though there weren’t any battles fought, many men were dying because of the outside conditions. Colonist eventually worked together with the French and recovered.

Battle of Yorktown

Sep 28, 1781

http://www.britishbattles.com/battle-yorktown.htm
The French sent 5500 soldiers to Rhode Island to ally with the Americas. The armies joined and made their way to Yorktown, Virginia, where they used false information to throw off the British. The French and the Americans combined won against British.