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