Key Battles of the American Revolution

Battle of Lexington: April 19th, 1775

The Battle of Lexington, a small town outside of Boston, was a very small fight but it's important because it's where the Revolutionary War started. When the British arrived, the Minutemen were ready. They were up against a much larger British force. Neither side expected to actually fight, but in the midst of the confusion a gunshot went off. Some of the colonists were killed and the rest fled. No one is actually sure who fired the first shot known as “The shot heard round the world”.

Battle of Concord: April 19th, 1775Next, the British marched to the town of Concord. The Americans waited for them on the other side of the North Bridge. As the Americans waited, more and more local militiamen arrived. Since they now had more men, the Americans decided to cross the North Bridge back into Concord where they defeated the British troops. This battle is important because now the Americans felt much more confidant. After this, the second Continental Congress named George Washington Commander-in-Chief of the Army.

Key Battles of the American RevolutionThe Battle of Bunker (Breeds) Hill: June 17, 1775The British were trying to keep control of Boston and its seaports. They decided to take two hills, Bunker and Breeds, in order to bombard the Americans. The American forces heard about it and secretly moved troops onto both hills. The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place mostly on Breeds Hill. It's only called the Battle of Bunker Hill because the army thought they were on Bunker Hill!! But the Americans started to run out of ammunition so they had to retreat. However, this battle was important, because it showed the British that Americans could stand up to them, and let the Americans know they needed more help!

Battle of Saratoga (NY): September 19, 1777British General Burgoyne had come up with a plan to defeat the American colonies. He would split the colonies in two along the Hudson River. With the colonies divided, he was sure they could not stand. The Battles of Saratoga were a series of battles that ended in the Battle of Saratoga and the surrender of British General John Burgoyne. This victory is considered the turning point in the war for independence because it proved to the world that the Americans were serious and powerful enough to defeat the highly trained British forces. Upon hearing of the American victory at Saratoga, the French, Spanish and Dutch provided ships, soldiers, supplies and money and fully supported the American’s war of independence.