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French Start Sending Weapons
French begin sending weapons to the Patriots, due to their bitterness and anger towards the colonial rival, Britain, from the French and Indian War. -
British Retreat from Boston
The British move the war out from Boston to the Middle colonies. This led to the siege of New York. -
Howe Brothers Sail into New York Harbor
General William and Admiral Richard Howe came together to siege New York. They sailed into New York Harbor, with large numbers of Birtish troops, as well as Hessians. -
Battle of New York Ends
The Battle of New York ends in a colonial retreat. Michael Graham wrote about the battle and loss during this time as well. -
Washington's Army Pushed Out
British push Continental Army into Pennsyvania, leading to the loss of numerous men. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington and his men sail across the Delaware River to surprise the Biritish forces across the river on Christmas night. Many Hessians are taken captive and the Continental Army steal their many canons as a result from their win. -
Enlistment in Continental Army Due to End
The date when the Continental Army's terms of enlistment were due to end. This meant that Washington would lose many men if he did not increase their morale. -
Victory at Princeton
Colonial win against British, stationed at Princeton. This victory, combined with the last victory at Trenton, significantly boosted morale, something of which Washington was in desperate need. -
General Howe Begins Plan to seize Philadelphia
General Howe begins to plan how to take the American capital of Philadelphia. Howe's plan was carried out successfully and resulted in a British victory as many colonial troops fled the scene. -
Battle of Saratoga
Surrender of Saratoga to the Continental Army; this loss led to a change in British war strategy in which troops would be kept to the coast with their strong navy instead of than facing the unknown inland terrain. -
Winter at Valley Forge
The winter that the Continental Amry, led by George Washington, spent at Valley Forge was one of bitterness. As a low point for the troops, they huddled in makeshift huts in the snow while underclothed and underfed. -
French Alliance
French make alliance with Patriots, complete with a signed document and treaty, which stated that France would not make peace with Britain until Britain also recgonized American independence. -
Friedrich von Steuben Volunteers His Efforts
With the volunteer help from Prussian captain and drillmaster Friedrich von Steuben, the Continental Army gains important tactics and teachings. -
Marquis de Lafayette Volunteers His Efforts
Around the same time as von Steuben, French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette offers his service to the Continental Army and lobbies for French reinforcements. -
Britain Changes Military Operations
Following their defeat at Saratoga, the British army changes plans; instead of fighting on unknown terrain, the troops are placed on coasts, near their powerful navy. -
British Siege of Savannah, Georgia
British gain control of Savannah, Georgia. -
Royal Governor Commands Georgia
Following the British siege of Savannah, Georgia, a royal governor takes control of the colony of Georgia. -
French Reinforcements
Marquis de Lafayette lobbies for French reinforcement to help the Patriots. -
General Henry Clinton
General Henry Clinton replaces General Howe in New York. -
British Siege of Charles Town, South Carolina
Generals Clinton and Cornwallis take control of Charles Town, South Carolina, leading to the eventual complete control of North and South Carolina. -
French Army Ships Land in Newport, Rhode Island
The landing of French army ships in Newport, Rhode Island timed perfectly with the redcoats at Yorktown. Lafayette organized an attack with these ships to siege the British at Yorktown. -
British Victory in Camden, South Carolina
General Cornwallis' army takes defeats Patriot forces in Camden, South Carolina. -
North Carolina Drives Out British Troops
After advancing even more into North Carolina, British troops are forced to reatreat to South Carolina following th harassment in the colony. -
Forces Meet Cowpens, South Carolins
General Daniel Morgan (sent by Nathanael Greene) meets Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton (sent by General Charles Cornwallis) in Cowpens, South Carolina, forcing the redcoats to surrender. -
Attack by Biritsh at Guilford Court House
General Charles Cornwallis attacks Greene and his troops in North Carolina at the Guilford Court House because of his anger from redcoat defeat in Cowpens, South Carolina. British forces won, but at the loss of many men. -
Nathanael Greene Writes Letter to Lafayette
Nathanael Greene becomes worried about future British attacks, and writes a letter to Marquis de Lafayette to ask for help. -
Robert Morris Appointed as Superintendent of Finance
Congress in Philadelphia make Robert Morris the superindendent of finance. Along with Haym Solomon, money was raised to pay the Continental Army. -
Continetal Army Is Paid for Their Service
Robert Morris and Haym Solomon raise money to pay the Continental Army. On this date, the troops were finally paid in gold coin. -
Formal British Surrender at Yorktown
Near Yorktown, the British army led by General Cornwallis surrenders, signaling a Patriot win of the war. -
General Washington Accepts British Surrender
Genera Washington , French generals, and troops accept British surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. -
Treaty of Paris
Treaty that came out of peace talks in Paris between delegates from the colonies, Great Britain, France, and Spain, that confirmed colonial indpendence and the set boundaries of the new country,
