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Battles at Lexington and Concord
These battles are considered the beginning of the Revolutionary War. The American colonists were not considered the winners of these battles, but nevertheless, these battles were very significant. American colonists were able to inflict damage on the British, but it did not outweigh the damage on their side. The fighting was unorganized and the Americans were outnumbered, but this battle sparked something in the hearts of the colonists. These battles kick started their desire for independence. -
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Battles of the Revolutionary War
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Battle of Bunker Hill
This battle was a British victory, but it was a large source of confidence for the Americans. They had inflicted a significant amount of damage on the British troops. The battle should be more accurately named Battle of Breed's Hill because that was where most of the fighting occurred. The British captured a hold on the Charlestown Peninsula, but they paid a great deal for it. The American's were proud that they could cause such damage on one of the most powerful nation's army. -
Battle at Trenton
This battle is one of the two battles fought by George Washington and the American soldiers after the famous crossing of the Delaware. The British forces were unprepared and exhausted for the battle. This was clearly evident in their quick surrender after 114 casualties. This battle boosted the American morale and allowed the famous crossing of the Delaware to be seen as worth the risk. -
Battle of Saratoga
British general John Burgoyne and his army were left high and dry with no aid from the other British troops or Native American assistance as he had planned on. The battle did not last long until Burgoyne surrendered after 86% of his army was captured. This victory for the American's was a great relief after the loss of Philadelphia to the British. The Battle has been known as the turning point in the war because it showed the French that they could ally themselves with the American cause. -
Battle of Cowpens
This American win was very important, especially after the several British victories in the South. American General, Daniel Morgan, led his troops into a re positioning, which ultimately tricked the British. The British suffered a great loss with 800 casualties compared to the Americans 100. The American rifle, often made fun of, proved very effective in this battle. Americans were proud because this was their first win without any help from surprise attacks or geography. -
Battle of Yorktown
With the help of the French, the Americans won this decisive battle. The leader of the British troops, General Cornwallis, surrendered after three days of fighting and two of his defenses captured. His army suffered cannon bombardment night and day. The French troops had snuck in to aid the Americans and the British were not able to obtain any outside aid. This war ended the fighting in the colonies, though some still occurred on the sea. It was a great relief to the Americans and the French.
