Revolutionary War Battles

Battle of Bunker HillJune 1775

• Actually took place at Breed’s Hill

• The colonists build earthworks to protect themselves in battle

• The British rush the hill 3 times

• The Colonists are forced to retreat due to lack of ammunition and supplies

“These are the times that try men’s souls…”

•It was a miserable winter for the 10,000 soldiers of the Continental Army at Valley Forge. Many soldiers lacked shoes and warm clothing. Food was scarce. Diseases such as smallpox and typhoid fever swept through the camp. 2500 men died that winter from the cold, disease and malnutrition.

Valley ForgeSeptember 1777- Training Camp for American

Soldiers, Improved the Colonial Army

• Baron Friedrich von Steuben -- He knew how to train an army. Even under the hardships of the camp, he drilled the soldiers repeatedly during the winter so that by springtime the Continental Army had become a strong and disciplined fighting force.

Surprising Them in their Undies!

Battle of Trenton

Battle of TrentonDecember 1776

• On the night of December 25, 1776, George Washington crossed the freezing Delaware River to attack Hessians.

• The American troops surprised the Hessian mercenary soldiers in an early morning raid

• This victory was the turning point in the war of independence for the Americans.

Who are these Hessians?

Hessians are soldiers from Germany. King George hired these soldiers to fight the colonists.

Battle of SaratogaOctober 1777

• The colonial army WON!!!

• France decides to help out the colonists.

What do I Need to know about the Battle of Saratoga?

Battle of SaratogaHope for the Colonies!

Thank You, France!• Upon hearing of the American

victory at Saratoga, the French declared recognition of the United States of America and fully supported their war of independence. (Alliance)

• Marquis de Lafayette- French General in command

Battle of YorktownAugust-October 1781

• The last major battle of the American Revolution was fought at Yorktown..

• Cornwallis was surrounded. The American and French troops gradually closed in on him.

• Cornwallis surrendered to Washington on Oct 19, 1781.

The World Turned Upside Down

• The Six and a half years of war was over.

Treaty of Paris 1783

• The Treaty of Paris 1783 officially ends Revolutionary War