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Battles of Lexington and Concord
These two battles were the start of the American Revolution. The battle of Lexington was a result of Redcoats attempts to capture Paul Revere and William Dawes, who were patriots sent to warn colonists of approaching soldiers. Concord was a result of the search for hidden arms. Roughly 90 colonists died in the skirmishes.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-lexington-and-concord -
Battle of Fort Ticonderoga
The capture of Fort Ticonderoga was the first American victory of the revolutionary war. Benedict Arnold and a Vermont militia, the Green Mountain Boys, led by Ethan Allen, launched a surprise attack and captured the fort. This gave the American army much needed artillery that would be used for the rest of the war.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/capture-of-fort-ticonderoga -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Colonel William Prescott led roughly 1,000 colonists against the Redcoats three charges, eventually losing their position on Bunker Hill. Roughly 200 Redcoats and 100 colonial soldiers were killed. While it was a loss for the colonists, the battle proved to be a morale builder.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill -
Battle of Trenton
George Washington led his troops across the Delaware river to secretly attack British forces on Christmas Day. This major defeat of the British raised morale in the colonial army.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-trenton-and-princeton -
Battle of Saratoga
General Horatio Gates led colonial soldiers against Howes dwindling forces along the Hudson river, forcing them to surrender. This victory led to the French offering military support to the colonial army, which was a major turning point towards American independence.
https://www.britannica.com/event/Battles-of-Saratoga -
Battle of Yorktown
The final battle of the American Revolution saw George Washington, with French assistance, led his army against the British army in Yorktown. Eventually, General Lord Cornwallis and his 9,000 troops surrendered. Peace negotiations began shortly after this American victory.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/siege-of-yorktown
