MAJOR BATTLES OF THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR
STARTER – SEPTEMBER 17TH
What were the advantages and disadvantages of both the British and American colonists during the Revolutionary War?
STARTER – SEPTEMBER 18TH
Explain the battles of Tincoderoga, Bunker’s Hill, Trenton, Princeton, or Saratoga (choose one).
THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
The United States first needed to declare independence from Great Britain.
Thomas Jefferson, at the young age of 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.
That is why we celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.This is the day that the United States of America declared
their independence from King George and Great Britain.
THE WAR IN THE NORTH
Patriots drive British from Boston, NYC
Britain gets serious about war, sends huge amount of troops, ships, supplies
Britain kicks patriots out of NYCBegins a year of defeats for
Washington and Continentals
FORT TICONDEROGA -1775
Key strategic location in New York
Ethan Allen and about 125 Green Mountain boys attacked fort
The Fort was taken without firing a shot
British officers and women and children were captured
Cannons were taken from Ticonderoga to Boston
Henry Knox: American Army top artillery commander
Major hero of American Revolution
BUNKER HILL -1775
Red Coats victorious in third charge Americans ran out of ammunition Moral victory for American Army Costliest battle for British during whole
war British casualties 1,054 American casualties 441 British began to get nervous Washington took command of the army
two weeks after this battle
TRENTON
Dec. 25, 1776Continentals are in bad shape after many losses,
casualties, few suppliesMost soldiers enlistments ending (enlistments last for
one year, desertion a problem) If Washington does not take immediate action the
revolution is likely over
TRENTON
Washington’s bold plan- cross Delaware River on Christmas night
Surprise attack on German HessiansResult: 30 Hessians killed, 918
CapturedResult: Only 4 Colonists killedResult: Many guns, ammo capturedResult: Major morale boost for
Washington and Continental Army
PRINCETON
Jan. 3, 1777Washington builds on success, attacks 1200 British and
captures or kills 1/3Only 40 Continental casualtiesWhy Trenton Princeton Were Major Victories:
1. Boosted Patriot morale2. Britain left New Jersey- remains in Patriot hands the rest of
the war3. Continental Army gains much needed supplies and
weapons
SARATOGA
Oct. 17, 1777
Part of British Army went to Canada to attack from the North
They were to meet up with main British Army in NYC
The Continentals defeated the British in several battles around Saratoga
British surrendered 5800 men, supplies
Is a major turning point in war towards a Patriot victory
France sees success, becomes an ally, sending troops and $$
Later Spain becomes ally also
VALLEY FORGE
In late 1777, British force Continentals out of Philadelphia
They set up a winter camp at Valley Forge, PAAwful conditions- few supplies, food,
improper clothing for winter1/4 died from starvation, cold, disease
THE WAR IN THE SOUTH – WHIGS V. TORRIES
Whigs: loyal to the Continental CongressTories: loyal to England- many in the SouthMuch violence between W. and T. in the SouthBritish strategy- move war to the South where there were
more loyalists, slaves (Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation), tire out Patriots
British Army was successful- captured Savannah and Charlestown
CAMDEN, SC
1780- Worst American Defeat of war
British General Cornwallis defeats Patriot General Gates
British drew Patriots into a European style battle
1,000 Patriots killed 1,000 Captured
SWAMP FOX – ALTERED STRATEGY
Francis Marion- led a small band patriots on horsebackUsed guerrilla tactics Cut British supply lines, communicationsNathaniel Greene replaces GatesAmericans lead British on chase all through South, wasting
British time and money
WAR ON THE FRONTIER
George Rogers Clark- 24 yr oldTravels through PA, OH, IN, ILRecruits soldiers along the wayCaptures British forts at Kaskaskea, VincennesGave a huge amount of land to the Americans
FINAL BATTLE - YORKTOWN
Oct. 19, 1781
Cornwallis sets up a base on a peninsula at Yorktown, VA
Patriots+French surround British by land and sea- begin massive siege
Cornwallis surrenders 8,000 British troops- war effectively over