Battles of the American Revolution Social Studies Survey

Essential Question Why were certain battles crucial in maintaining or obtaining Colonial morale and keeping to movement toward independence going?

I CAN: Identify important battles of the American Revolution Explain the significance of each event within the overall context of the American Revolution

Lexington April 19, 1775 Lexington, MA Small group of Patriot militia gathered on the green to face the well trained British forces. This was a small skirmish prior to the British moving on to Concord.

Concord April 19, 1775 Concord, MA British troops came to seize weapons and ammunition They found nothing, and Patriot’s drove the British back to Boston. The colonists had shown their strength.

Ft. Ticonderoga, NY - Lake Champlain May 10, 1775 Ethan Allen (Green Mountain Boys) and Benedict Arnold This was a surprise attack on the fort. It gave valuable supplies to the Patriot cause (Ammunition and 50 cannons).

Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) June 1775 Charlestown, MA Although the British claimed victory, it was a moral victory for the Americans. It showed the colonists they could fight and win against the British.

Battle on Long Island August 27, 1776 Long Island, NY This battle showed the strength of the British military and its Navy. A devastating loss to the Continental Army.

Battle of Trenton (Crossing of the Delaware) December 25-26, 1776 Philadelphia to New Jersey The surprise attack against the Hessians. Inspired Rebel cause and reenlistment; big moral builder

Princeton January 3, 1777 Princeton, NJ Patriot victory. Another boost of confidence right after the tactical victory at Trenton. Demonstrated the strength and planning of Washington’s plan.

Philadelphia September 26,1777 Philadelphia, PA George Washington was willing to fight in small battles, but would not risk his army in large battles. He decided to stay in Valley Forge. He handed over Philadelphia to the British.

Battle of Saratoga October 7 & 17, 1777 New York Turning point in war; French and Spain decide to join on American side

Winter at Valley Forge December 1777-June 1778 (20 miles NW of Philly) Of 10,000 original soldiers, 2500 would die Harsh winter and low food rations, but influential for uniformity of drilling and marching of troops Baron Friederich von Steuben

Monmouth August 16, 1780 Monmouth, NJ As the British were leaving Philadelphia, Washington’s army followed and caught up to them in Monmouth. The Patriots were victorious and this would be the end of battles in the north.

Vincennes February 29, 1779 Vincennes, IN George Rogers Clark’s militia attacked a British fort in Indiana. This was considered a British barrier to the west. Hamilton surrendered to Clark.

Count Kazimierz (Casimir) Pulaski’s fatal wound at Savanah. October 9, 1779 Savanah, GA Americans tried to recapture Savanah from the British with the help of the French. It failed completely giving a temporary loss of confidence in the French as allies. Count Kazimierz (Casimir) Pulaski’s fatal wound at Savanah.

Siege of Charleston (Charles Town) April to May 12, 1780 Charleston, SC British victory for the south’s large city. American troops surrender and nearly 6,000 are taken prisoner and then returned home. There will be ferocious fighting in the south to come.

Camden August 16, 1780 Camden, SC British victory. Heavy losses both in fatalities and captures for the Americans. This was only a short victory for the British.

King’s Mountain October 7, 1780 King’s Mountain, SC This battle was more of a massacre. British forces and Tory militia were annihilated in this attack. “Tarleton quarter” which means take no prisoners was a battle cry.

Cowpens January 17, 1781 Cowpens – on the border of NC and SC American troops led by Daniel Morgan. Overwhelming Patriot victory. “Over the Mountain” men fought with brutality.

Battle of Yorktown Sept 28-Oct 19, 1781 Virginia Decisive Battle of Revolution General Cornwallis surrenders and the fighting ends Sept 3, 1783 Treaty of Paris ends war Nov 24, 1783- last British troops leave NY