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French Root for the Patriots
Due to the French being bitter regarding their loss in the French and Indian War, they had sent weapons to the Patriots since early 1776. -
The British Move Out
The British formulate a new plan of attack. They remove their hold on Boston and bring the war into the Middle Colonies. Their plan was to isolate New England and for that reason they took control of New York City. -
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The British Bring in Troops
General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe, two brothers, sailed into New York with a huge English fleet. This fleet was the largest ever assembled and included many German mercenaries and experienced British soldiers, a whopping 32,000 men united, -
New York was Lost by the Patriots
A source explains that the Patriots were severely outnumbered by the infiltration of the British troops in New York City. George Washington had assembled 23,000 men to fight, however as accounted by a Continental Army volunteer, they were untrained and a bridge was left defenseless, allowing British soldiers to enter freely, -
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Captured and Cold
The British managed to push George Washington's Army into Pennsylvania, across the Delaware River. Many soldiers had been captured and many ran away, leaving George with only 8,000 men remaining. -
George Washington is Ready to Strike Back
George Washinton planned to force the British out of the Middle Colonies once and for all. He led 2,400 soldiers across the icy Delaware River through a terrible storm on Christmas night. -
George's Surprise Attack: The Battle of Trenton
The soldiers finished the crossing of the river and by eight o'clock they marched nine miles to reach Trenton. The Hessians were sleeping off their hangover from the previous night, not believeing anyone would attack in such horrendous weather, and that made for an easy surprise attack. 918 captives were taken hostage, 30 were killed, and six Hessian cannons were stolen by the Patriots. The Patriots won the Battle of Trenton. -
A Patriot Soldier's Duty is Up
With only 8,000 men remaining under the control of George Washington, he had to start winning battles. Soldiers no longer had to fight after the 31st of December so George needed his army to want to stay with him. This led to the Battle of Trenton. -
Success Eight Days After the Battle of Trenton
Eight days after the Battle of Trenton was won, George Washington rallied his troops against 1,200 soldiers in Princeton. His men won yet again, leading to George bringing his troops into a winter camp entitled Morristown. This was located in northen New Jersey. -
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Britsish Fight Back
General Howe planned to capture Philadelphia, the American capital. -
Philadelphia is Claimed
General Howe sailed his troops from New York to Chesapeake Bay in order to reach the American capital. Consequently, the Continental Congress fled the city and the Continental Army failed to hold off troops at Brandywine Creek. The British seized Philadelphia and General Howe became engrossed with the lives of the Loyalists. -
Battle of Saratoga
General John Burgoyne had a plan to meet General Howe in New York City in hopes of joining up with the other troops so that they could finally block off New England. The 4,000 soldiers, 3,000 mercenaries, 1,000 Mohawk Indians, and 30 wagons were moving slowly through the bogs while food and energy ran low. On this day, General Gates surrouned Burgoyne and forced him to surrender. This took place at Saratoga. Ever since then, the British remained close to their supplies, located near the coast. -
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No Hope for the Patriots
During this winter few thought it possible that the Patriots could win. This was said due to the poorly fed and underdressed soldiers facing the harsh winter. Occasionally the Patriots had warm homes to stay in however they often survived in makeshift huts and tight quarters. Their camp was called Valley Forge. -
France Becomes an Ally
Flabbergasted by the American win in the Battle of Saratoga, France agreed to be in an alliance with America. The paper they signed stated that the French would not join alliances with Britain unless the colonies became independent and that the French supported their independence as well. -
Help for the Continental Army
The Continental army was aided by Friedrich von Steuben, a Prussian captain. He taught the army how to properly fight and use the weapons. This improved the rag-tag team of soldiers and helped to transform them into an organized army. -
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The British Change their Strategy
After their defeat at Sartoga, the British marched south. They hoped to gain the support of loyalists and with their support, fight their way up north once more. -
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Georgia is Claimed
After changing tactics, the British took over Savannah, Georgia. -
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Lafayette
Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat, offered to help George Washington. He understood the troubles with the army trying to stay alive and commanded an army in Virginia near the end of the war. He also tried to persuade the French to send recruitments in the year of 1779. -
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British Seize Georgia
A royal British governer seized Georgia as a whole. -
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Early British Victories
General Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis conquered Charles Town, South Carolina with 8,500 soldiers. Corwallis was in command and his goal was to take over South and North Carolina. The majority of the year was successful for Cornwallis but in the end, the Patriots cut off all communication and killed many soldiers. -
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The French Pitch In
6,000 French soldiers landed in Newport, Rhode Island after the British turned their focus on the South. Lafayette recieved word of Cornwallis' plans and therefore tried to join the American forces with that of the French (Newport Fleet and West Indies Fleet, along with the Continental Army). -
Georgia
Cornwallis and Clinton won Charles Town, South Carolina in what is known as their greatest victory in the war. -
The Greatest British Victory Comes to an End
Cornwallis' army took control of Camden, South Carolina, eastablishing a tremendous amount of forts in three months. This was short-lived however because the troops were met with Patriot attacks in North Carolina. These attacks cut off comunication lines and killed off many soldiers. -
British Forts
Within three months, the British had forts developed throughout the state. However, the Patriots fought and won, causing the British to retreat back to South Carolina instead of advancing into North Carolina. -
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Raising Money for the Troops
The Congress elected Robert Morris as the superintedent of finance. He worked with his partner Haym Salomon to raise money for the troops, often putting his personal assets on the line. -
British Losses in South Carolina
George Washington sent General Morgan and 600 soldiers to South Carolina to regain control. Cornwallis sent Colonel Banastre Tarleton to follow these troops. They finally met at Cowpens, South Carolina in the January of 1781. Although expected by the British to surrender, the Continental Army stood their ground and ultimately won the battle. -
The British Retaliate
Cornwallis attacked General Greene two months later because he was infuriated with the British loss in January. He won this battle, however he did manage to lose a quarter of his troop in the process. -
Help!
General Greene worried that his weakening of the British would not be enough to win the war. He called on Lafayette for assistance, asking him to march south to save the Southern States. -
Payment Where Payment is Due
Salomon and Morris finally solicited enough money for the troops. On this day, the troops were finally paid in gold coin, otherwise referred to as specie. -
Battle at Yorktown
After three long weeks, the Battle at Yorktown was won by America. The British were surrounded by both the French and Continental Army on the small peninsula of Yorktown. Outnumbered two to one, Cornwallis surrendered. -
Surrender
The Continental Army and the French Army watched on as the formal surrendering of Cornwallis took place; he had turned in his sword. Many could not believe that the Continental Army managed to beat the greatest army while they were barely clothed and trained. But nevertheless, America had won the war. -
Treaty of Paris
In the September of 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed, declaring U.S. independence. This treaty stated that the American territory stretched from Canada to the Florida border and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. This caused trouble later for the Native Americans were not considered and the Loyalists, although promised reimbursement for their loss of property, were not honored by the court.
