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This event took place near Boston during the American Revolutionary War. Colonial militias built defense mostly on Breed's Hill to have an advantage and to challenge British Control. About 1,200 colonists led by Colonel William Prescott faced around 2,000 British troops. The British launched 3 attacks, the colonist didn't fire at the British till they were close, the British finally took the hill because they ran out of ammo and had to retreat, The British won but suffered around 1,000 losses. -
These were the first battles of the American Revolutionary War. British troops marched from Boston to Concord to seize colonial weapons. At Lexington, about 70 minutemen faced 700 British soldiers. Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith and about 700 soldiers. Local militias led by John Parker. Marked the start of the American Revolution. Showed colonists could fight the British Army. -
In 1777, British General William Howe came into Pennsylvania and defeated George Washington's army at the Battle of Brandywine -
Big morale boost for the American army. Renewed support and enlistments for the revolution. Facing low morale after defeats, General George Washington led about 2,400 American soldiers across the icy Delaware River on Christmas night. They launched a surprise attack at dawn on the Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey, who were caught off guard and mostly asleep. The Americans won decisively. -
After crossing the icy Delaware River, General George Washington led 2,400 American troops in a surprise attack on 1,400 Hessian soldiers in Trenton, New Jersey. The Hessian's were caught off guard and defeated quickly. Major morale boost for Continental Army. Encourage reenlistments and support for the revolution. Proved the Americans could defeat trained European troops. -
British General John Burgoyne tried to take control of the Hudson River to split the colonies. American forces led by General Horatio Gates, with key help from Benedict Arnold, stopped him in two battles: Freeman's Farm and Bemis Heights, Burgoyne surrendered about 5,800 troops. Major American history and turning point in the war. Boosted American morale. Led France to join the war as an American Ally. -
During the winter of 1777-1778, about 12,000 Continental Army Soldiers camped at Valley Forge near Philadelphia. They faced extreme starvation, cold, diseases and poor supplies with around 2,500 people dying. George Washington led the army and kept them together. Baron von Steuben trained the troops. The army because stronger and better trained. -
The Battle of Yorktown was the final major battle of the American Revolutionary War. American forces led by George Washington and French allies under General Rochambeau and Admiral de Grasse trapped British General Charles Cornwallis and his arm in Yorktown, Virginia. This victory ended major fighting and led to peace talks, resulting in American independence with the Treat of Paris (1783). -
The Treaty of Paris officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Negotiated by American leaders John Jay, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Britain recognized American independence and set the new nation's borders, stretching from Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River. The Treaty also granted fishing fights and arranged for the return of prisoner and property. The treaty marked the official birth of the United States as a free independent country. -
The British, led by General William Howe, aimed to capture Philadelphia, the American capital. They defeated George Washington's forces at the Battle of Brandywine and occupied Philadelphia. Washington tried to retake the city at the Battle of Germantown but failed. Despite losing the Philadelphia, the Americans kept fighting and the war continued. -
Paul Revere rode on horseback to warn American colonists that British troops were coming to seize weapons in Concord. Along with William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, he alerted militias in time. This warning helped colonial fighters prepare, leading to the first battles of the Revolutionary War at Lexington and Concord. -
In 1776, the thirteen American colonies decided to declare independence from British rule due to unfair taxes and lack of representation. The second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to create a formal statement. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the first draft. A committee including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin helped revise it. The Declaration was approved on July 4, 1776, making birth of the United States.