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Lexington & Concord
The battle of Lexington & Concord marked the start of the American War of Independence. The British army went out to destroy any American Arsenal and any rebels involved. Specifically were looking for rebel leaders Samuel Adams and John Hancock. (1775-1778) -
Bunker Hill
The British Army planned to launch an attack against the Americans on the heights north and south of Boston. The news of the attack was spread and patriots were prepared. 1,000 Massachusetts and Connecticut soldiers and a military unit gathered to defend a hill in Charlestown. On this hill is where the clash between the British army and the 1,000 American Colonists took place. The hill was given the name “Bunker Hill”, meaning that the colonial revolt would not be easily extinguished. -
Philadelphia
Philadelphia was the town where the Continental Congress met. On July 4th, 1776, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. Written by Thomas Jefferson and more, the Declaration of Independence states three basic ideas. God made all men equal and gave them the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. the main business of government is to protect these rights. If a government tries to withhold these rights, the people are free to revolt and to set up a new government. -
Trenton
Chased by the British, General Washington retreated across New Jersey and into Pennsylvania. Washington's mean were lacking resources and clothing to survive, especially during the winter. Washington had came up with an idea to return life to his troops, regain strength, and put an end to their misery. On December 25, 1776, Washington led his men back into Trenton. There they surprised a garrison of 1,500 Hessians. Washington and his troops had gone to war and had dominated it. -
Valley Forge
Valley Forge was a very difficult time for George Washington and his men. It was the winter of 1778 and the conditions were very cold and harsh. At the same time they were low on supplies. It didn't stop there as the soldiers also had to fight off many diseases. The most common illnesses included influenza, typhus, typhoid fever and dysentery. -
New York - Battle of Long Island
New York was an important spot in American Colonies and its port made it vital for a key strategic location. The British wanted this land, but George Washington wouldn't let this happen. George Washington sent a fleet of 90,000 men to fortify and defend New York from Great Britain. Washington wanted to fight a battle and inflict some damage before abandoning his position. The British ended up winning as they had the advantage of war ships going through the city's river waterways. -
Saratoga Battle
The British planned another attack on New York. A British general, John Burgoyne had captured Fort Ticonderoga, and occupied Fort Edward. General Horatio Gates, and his troops had been fortifying and preparing for the British just south of Saratoga overlooking the Hudson River. The two armies engaged in combat on September 19. Burgoyne surrendered, giving America the win. The victory persuaded France to sign a treaty with the United States against Britain. Ending America’s War for Independence. -
Yorktown
After six years of war, both the British and Continental armies were tired of war. As for the colonies, they were lacking food shortages and had a massive dept. to pay. Washington and his French ally, Lt. Gen. Comte de Rochambeau, had assembled their troops and focused on ending their war once and for all. They hit the British greatly after with an assault that upped the Americans in the war for Independence. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the long, everlasting war between America and Great Britain. The treaty of Paris made Great Britain accept America's Independence. U.S. boundaries were established and France gave up all its territories in mainland North America. In all, it allowed for American western expansion.