Battles of the Revolutionary War

Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) British General- Thomas Gage He and his men are cooped up in Boston They decide to attack the militia-men who were mobilizing near Breed’s Hill. (North of Boston) Gage marches up 2,400 men on June 17, 1775.

Battle of Bunker Hill (Breeds Hill) Continued Colonist 450 Causalities and the British 1,000 Proved to be the DEADLIEST battle of the War

Defeat in New York British decide to stop rebellion by isolating New England 32,000 British soldiers and Hessians take New York, summer 1776 Many of Washington’s recruits killed; retreat to Pennsylvania 32,000 23,000

The Battle of Trenton Christmas 1776, Washington crosses Delaware River into New Jersey Washington surprises Hessian garrison, wins Battle of Trenton Eight days later, Americans win Battle of Princeton against British

On December 25, 1776, Washington and his troops crossed from Pennsylvania into New Jersey in order to get a sneak attack on Hessian soldiers at Trenton

The icy river was challenging and it took 10 hours to get all the troops, horses and cannons across the river. Washington, hoping for a night attack, could’ve turned back, but fearing his men would revolt if forced to go back over the river they just crossed, they pressed on, starting the march to Trenton at 3am.

Pennsylvania side of Washington’s Crossing The PA side has a lot of history enrichment. There are replicas of the boats used during Washington’s Crossing, detailed maps, and even recreations of how the town looked at the time! They also have fabulous events all throughout the year including reenactments!

The bridge marks the spot where Washington Crossed!

Washington’s Crossing, Emmanuele Leutz, 1851

First of all, it was night.

James Madison?

The boat

George Washington

The Fight for Philadelphia Gen. William Howe beats Washington at Brandywine, PA, summer 1777 Howe takes U.S. capital, Philadelphia; Continental Congress flees

Victory at Saratoga Gen. John “Gentleman Johnny” Burgoyne leads British, allies south from Canada. Burgoyne loses repeatedly to Continental Army, militia Surrounded at Saratoga, Burgoyne surrenders to Gen. Horatio Gates Starts out with 8,000 troops!

October 17 th, 1777

DO NOW Why does the Battle of Saratoga become labeled as a “Turning Point” in the war? What is changing after the Battle of Saratoga?

A Turning Point Since 1776, French secretly send weapons to Americans French recognize American independence, sign treaty, February 1778 France agrees no peace until Britain recognizes U.S. independence

Marquis de Lafayette Young, idealistic French aristocrat Joins Washington’s forces right before Valley Forge Lobbies for reinforcements from France

Winter at Valley Forge Valley Forge—site of Continental Army’s winter camp (1777–1778) Of 10,000 soldiers, more than 2,000 die of cold and hunger

The War Moves South

Treaty of Paris (1783): Main Points Says its time to moooove on! Confirms American Independence Defines new boundaries Atlantic Ocean to Mississippi River Canada to Florida