-
French begin sending weapons to the Patriots, due to their bitterness and anger towards the colonial rival, Britain, from the French and Indian War.
-
The British move the war out from Boston to the Middle colonies. This led to the siege of New York.
-
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.
-
The Battle of New York ends in a colonial retreat. Michael Graham wrote about the battle and loss during this time as well.
-
British push Continental Army into Pennsyvania, leading to the loss of numerous men.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 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.
-
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.
-
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 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.
-
With the volunteer help from Prussian captain and drillmaster Friedrich von Steuben, the Continental Army gains important tactics and teachings.
-
Around the same time as von Steuben, French aristocrat Marquis de Lafayette offers his service to the Continental Army and lobbies for French reinforcements.
-
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 gain control of Savannah, Georgia.
-
Following the British siege of Savannah, Georgia, a royal governor takes control of the colony of Georgia.
-
Marquis de Lafayette lobbies for French reinforcement to help the Patriots.
-
General Henry Clinton replaces General Howe in New York.
-
Generals Clinton and Cornwallis take control of Charles Town, South Carolina, leading to the eventual complete control of North and South Carolina.
-
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.
-
General Cornwallis' army takes defeats Patriot forces in Camden, South Carolina.
-
After advancing even more into North Carolina, British troops are forced to reatreat to South Carolina following th harassment in the colony.
-
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.
-
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 becomes worried about future British attacks, and writes a letter to Marquis de Lafayette to ask for help.
-
Congress in Philadelphia make Robert Morris the superindendent of finance. Along with Haym Solomon, money was raised to pay the Continental Army.
-
Robert Morris and Haym Solomon raise money to pay the Continental Army. On this date, the troops were finally paid in gold coin.
-
Near Yorktown, the British army led by General Cornwallis surrenders, signaling a Patriot win of the war.
-
Genera Washington , French generals, and troops accept British surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
-
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,