-
Battles of Lexington and Concord
This is considered the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. On a mission to confiscate colonialists' weapons, hundreds of British troops marched from Boston to Concord. Paul Revere and other riders hear of the march and warn the minutemen of the approaching army. They meet the British in Lexington; leaving the redcoats unprepared and forcing them to retreat. This battle is known as "The Shot Heard 'Round the World"; showing other patriots they had a real chance at beating the British. -
American Account of Lexington and Concord (Salem Gazette)
“In Lexington the enemy set fire...to several other houses, but our people extinguished the flames. They pillaged almost every house they passed by, breaking and destroying doors, windows, glasses, Ac.,...But the savage barbarity exercised upon the bodies of our unfortunate brethren who fell, is almost incredible: not contented with shooting down the unarmed, aged, and infirm, disregarded the cries of the wounded, killing them without mercy, and mangling their bodies in the most shocking manner. -
British Acount of Lexington and Concord (London Gazette)
“In consequence of this attack by the rebels, the troops returned the fire and killed several of them. After which the detachment marched on to Concord without anything further happening, where they effected the purpose for which they were sent, having knocked off the trunnions of three pieces of iron ordnance, burnt some new gun carriages and a great number of carriage-wheels, and thrown into the river a considerable quantity of flour gunpowder, musket-balls, and other articles.” -
George Washington
Although he was born British and served as a Redcoat, on July 3, 1775 George Washington took command of the Continental Army. Which, at the time, was a group of ‘rag-tag’ patriots looking to fight off the control of the British. By the end of the war, Washington becomes a legend for his ability to lead a homegrown army that was strong enough to rebel against the strongest navy and military in the world. He eventually is elected as the first president of the USA due to his fame and humble charm. -
Crossing the Delaware
Washington's continental army desperately needed a victory against the British after months of no success. He wanted to launch a surprise attack against the British in Trenton, New Jersey. First though, had to get his entire army across the freezing Delaware river overnight. This shows the courage of Washington because anybody else would’ve turned back, but he pushed his men. His army was poorly trained; therefore if they couldn’t win with skill, he was going to have to outsmart his enemy. -
The Battle at Trenton
The British’s span of success in New York and New Jersey during the year was expected; considering their great size and skill level. Washington's surprise shift of his army left the British troops at Trenton overwhelmed and unprepared. This is a major turning point for the Continental Army because it is their first major military victory against the British. Washington's approach to war was one of organized chaos. If he caught his enemy off guard, they would be left exposed and vulnerable. -
American Account of Trenton
“It haild with great violence the Troops march’d with the most profound silence and good order….The hurry fright & confusion of the enemy was unlike that which shall be when the last Trump shall sound…the poor fellows after they were form’d on the plains saw themselves Completely surrounded – the only resource left was to force their way thro numbers unknown to them – strongly posted with Cannon. The Hessians lost part of their Cannon...& were oblig’d to Surrender upon the spot..." (Knox, 1776). -
Battle of Freeman's Farm
General John Burgoyne’s campaign was stopped by a patriot militia of sharpshooters. Led by Daniel Morgan, the men harassed the British until German forces arrived to save Burgoyne’s men. German efforts were crucial to the British victory at Freeman’s Farm. Even though the British ended up losing two soldiers to every one American sharpshooter. -
Period: to
The Battles of Saratoga
This series of two battles is considered the turning point of the Revolution. British General John Burgoyne was looking to advance down the Hudson Valley to New York where he would join other troops and Sir William Howe. During his campaign south it is reported he made many enemies along the way with the local farmers. Burgoyne’s army struggles to make their way through thick forests, and rebel tree road blocks. This battle pushes the French to solidity their alliance with the colonists. -
British Occupy Philidelphia
'You are mistaken; it is not the British army that has taken Philadelphia, but Philadelphia that has taken the British army.' (Pontgibaud, 1777). -
The American Long Rifle
Inspired by a German hunting weapon the rifle was relatively lightweight, with a slender barrel at least 40 inches in length and fired a 50-caliber shot. The guns unique feature was that the inside of the barrel had grooves that spun the shot, providing it deadly accuracy. This comes in handy for Patriot sharpshooters like Daniel Morgan who are trying to pick out specific guides or British officers. -
Battle of Bemis Heights
Following the battle at Freeman’s Hill, american forces led by Horatio Gates positioned themselves right above the road that General John Burgoyne’s army would march through to reach New York. The successful attack forces the British to surrender their efforts and is one of the most important achievements of the revolutionary movement. -
Daniel Morgan
Known as a heavy drinker, gambler and brawler, Daniel Morgan ended up being the perfect guy to lead 500 patriot riflemen into battle. Although uneducated, he and his men were highly skilled at navigating the dense forests. To further prohibit the movement of Burgoyne's men, Morgan's men took out their native american guides and targeted British generals. If they left the footsoldiers leaderless, they stood a better chance at defeating them. This new type of Guerrilla Warfare becomes legendary. -
Life at Valley Forge
“Our arms are in horrible condition, covered in rust... Our men are literally naked, some to the fullest extent of the word." (Steuben, 1777) -
Period: to
Innoculation at Valley Forge
With the revolution brings the worst epidemic of smallpox in US history. Brought over by British ships, four in ten infected persons die. Surgeons use what they know about inoculation from African slaves. They take samples of the live virus and smear it onto open cuts of a healthy soldier. The infection spreads through the body, but much slower. This allows the body to produce antibodies against the disease. Although a successful risk, one in 50 people inoculated die. -
Period: to
Winter at Valley Forge
During the Winter of 1777 George Washington retires his army to spend the winter at Valley Forge. Conditions at their camp were horrible, as men struggled to stay warm, keep clean and prepare for the war ahead. With the help of a former Prussian military general, Baron von Steuben, washington was able to produce an army that could fight and was healthy enough to do so. -
America and France's Alliance
Founding Father Benjamin Franklin is well known for his diplomatic affair with France. In 1778 the two countries signed a Treaty of Alliance. From 1778 to 1782 France provided supplies, arms and ammunition for the Continental Army. The treaty also held a clause that granted other European countries to join, and forbid them from making peace with the British. French support is crucial to the defeat of the British and this treaty ultimately changes the course of the war. -
Baron von Steuben
When Steuben arrived at camp, he made a favorable impression on George Washington that he was appointed Inspector General. He rewrote drills for the soldiers, and reorganized the camp. Death from disease dropped dramatically and the men’s skills increased. Steuben was often reported working with the troops personally. This style of teaching obviously worked because by the end of the winter, Washington would be fighting with a professional army who was just as able as any British troop. -
General Charles Cornwallis
As a member of Parliament, Cornwallis voted against the Stamp and Declaratory Acts, but proved ruthless in his leadership of British soldiers during the revolution. In 1778 he was appointed to second in command of the army and lead the British campaign to the Southern colonies in hopes of regaining control. He was an effective leader, but often times his determination left him with low troop counts and bad positioning. This is ultimately what forces him to surrender at Yorktown in 1781. -
Spies Save the French Navy
In July 1781, the British navy has spotted the French fleet off the coast of Rhode Island and plan to send warships in a surprise attack. Robert Townsend, a "loyalist", hears this and sends word to Washington. He writes using invisible ink, made from gallic acid and passes the letter along to fellow spies. It quickly reaches Washington who sends his troops to New York to distract the British. The French fleet stays safe due to the spy network, and will play a crucial role in the moments to come. -
Battle at Yorktown, Virginia
This battle traditionally marks the end of the American Revolution. British General Cornwallis finds his army trapped in the city. They are surrounded on land and by sea by both the Americans and the French. Ultimately he is forced to surrender, proving a major victory for the colonists.
