1. Battles and Events of the
American Revolution
8.4c Explain the issues surrounding important events of the American Revolution
8.4b Explain the roles played by significant individuals during the revolutionary period

2. The British are on the move.
British troops head out of Boston to arrest Sam Adams and John Hancock in Lexington, then to destroy the weapons in Concord.

3. Paul Revere The Sons of Liberty were ready for this.
Paul Revere and William Dawes rode out to let their fellow Patriots know that The British were coming.

4. Lexington 700 British redcoats found 70 minutemen waiting.
The British ordered the militia to drop their weapons.
They refused

5. When the battle was over, 8 minutemen were dead.

6. Concord
The British marched on and destroyed the military supplies in Concord.
A battle was fought at the town’s bridge, forcing the British to retreat.

7. The British retreat
Nearly 4000 minutemen lined the road between Concord and Lexington, raining down bullets upon the retreating British.

8. The War had begun
Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the American Revolution

9. The war is on!
After Lexington and Concord, all 13 colonies send militias to Boston to force the British out.
Boston is placed under siege.

10. Bunker Hill
British attempt to break the siege in the Battle of Bunker Hill.
Bunker Hill is a British victory, although the redcoats suffer heavy losses.

11. The British retreat
In March 1776, the British are forced to withdraw from Boston.
In July 1776, with the British gone from the colonies, the Second Continental Congress drew up the Declaration of Independence

12. The Empire Strikes Back!
Shortly after the Declaration of Independence is released, the British invade Brooklyn, NY.
In the Battle of Brooklyn, Washington’s troops are routed and Washington himself is nearly captured.

13. RUN!!!
As the British took firm control of NYC, Washington and his men flee.
He would be chased all through New Jersey until December

14. Checking for Understanding
The year 1776 is an important date in U.S. history because it marked the - A. year the colonists stated they were free from Britain B. writing of the U.S. Constitution C. founding of the first American colony D. end of British rule in the American colonies

15. Washington makes a move
In a bold move, Washington moves his men across the frozen Delaware River and defeated the British at the Battle of Trenton.

16. The Battle of Saratoga 1777
Under General Gates, the Continental Army defeated the British at Saratoga.
This battle would be the turning point in the war

17. What is a turning point?
Turning point – an event that changes the course of a war or struggle.

18. Why was Saratoga the turning point?
The victory at Saratoga convinced the other powers of Europe that America had a shot at winning the revolution.
After Saratoga, the French would sign an alliance to help the Americans

19. Meanwhile . . .
The British siege of Fort Mifflin allowed Washington and his forces to sneak away from British troops and settle in for the winter at Valley Forge, PA.

20. Checking for Understanding
An important political result of the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga was — A. British Parliament repealed the Navigation Acts B. German mercenary soldiers were hired by the British to fight. C. American colonists act to create the first national government D. European powers were convinced the Americans had a chance of winning

21. The winter at Valley Forge 1777
Many of the Continental Army had to brave a harsh winter with nothing more than blankets to keep warm.
Very few deserted (left), demonstrating the determination of the patriots.

22. The Battle of Yorktown 1781
With the water retreat cut off, and a combined force of the Continental Army and the French surrounding the city, General Cornwallis was trapped.
After a long siege, Cornwallis surrendered.

23. Yorktown (cont’d)
Yorktown would be the last major battle of the American Revolution
After the battle, Britain began to negotiate peace treaties with the Americans, French, Dutch and Spanish.

24. Victory!
In 1783, the Americans and the British signed the Treaty of Paris (1783), ending the war.
From left to right: John Jay, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Henry Laurens, William Temple Franklin. Who’s missing?

25. The Terms of the Treaty of Paris
The United States got all lands east of the Mississippi river and south of the Great Lakes.
Britain recognized America’s independence
America agreed to repay Loyalists for lost property

26. Checking for Understanding
Which statement is true concerning the Battle of
Yorktown?
A The French forces played a key role in the
outcome of the battle
B The British navy played a key role in the outcome
of the battle.
C The Spanish Armada played a key role in the
D The Continental Army ran out of ammunition

27. All right, now what?
Now that the British are gone, what do the Americans do now?

28. American Revolution Quiz

29. Question 1 What was the first battle of the American Revolution?
Hint: shot heard round the world

30. Question 2
Who was the General of the Continental Army?

31. Question 3
Which battle was a turning point for the Continental Army and why? (2 part answer)

32. Question 4
What battle to Lord Cornwallis surrender to George Washington, ending the American Revolution?

33. Question 5
What is the significance of the Winter of Valley Forge?

34. DOL
Place the following events in a timeline in the correct order that they occurred. Then write the importance of the event. Create a title for your timeline. Declaration of Independence Battle of Saratoga Battle of Yorktown Winter of Valley Forge Battle of Lexington and Concord Treaty of Paris