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The Battle of Bunker Hill actually took place on Breed’s Hill near Boston. Although the colonial militia eventually had to retreat because they ran out of ammo they managed to cause heavy losses to the British. Leaders like Israel Putnam and William Prescott guided the Americans while General William Howe led the British forces.Why it mattered: Even though the colonists lost, the battle showed they were tough and determined enough to take on the British giving a big boost to American confidence. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord kicked off the American Revolutionary War. British soldiers marched to seize weapons from the colonists but were met by local militia, sparking the first shots of the conflict.
Why it mattered: These battles were the very start of the fight for American independence, marking the moment when peaceful tensions turned into open war. -
The Declaration of Independence, written by Jefferson, Adams, and Franklin, announced that the colonies were breaking away from Britain. It laid out their complaints against the king and expressed the basic rights to life, liberty, and happiness.
Why it mattered: This was a turning point in the Revolution, officially declaring freedom and setting the foundation for the country’s values. -
During the Revolutionary War, Thomas Paine wrote a series of pamphlets called The American Crisis to inspire and encourage Americans to keep fighting for their independence.
Why it mattered: These powerful writings lifted people’s spirits during tough times and helped rally support for the revolution, keeping hope alive when it was needed most. -
On Christmas night, General George Washington bravely led the Continental Army across the icy Delaware River to catch the Hessian troops by surprise in Trenton, New Jersey.
Why it mattered: This bold move gave the Americans a much-needed win, lifting spirits and breathing new life into the revolution after many tough losses. -
After crossing the Delaware, Washington’s troops launched a surprise attack on the Hessian garrison in Trenton. They won a clear victory, capturing or killing nearly 900 Hessian soldiers while suffering very few losses themselves.
Why it mattered: The Battle of Trenton was a game-changer. It showed Washington’s strong leadership and proved the Continental Army could bounce back, giving new hope and energy to the revolutionary cause. -
The Battles of Saratoga were two key fights near Saratoga, New York, where American generals Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold secured a big win.
Why it mattered: This victory was a game-changer because it convinced France to join the fight as an ally, giving the Americans vital military help and funding that boosted their chances of winning the war. -
he Battle of Philadelphia was Britain’s big move to take over the American capital. Led by General William Howe, British troops captured the city, forcing the Continental Congress to flee.
Why it mattered: Losing Philadelphia was a blow to American morale, but it also raised questions about Howe’s strategy since capturing the city didn’t lead to a clear victory over the Continental Army. -
The Continental Army, led by General George Washington, camped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where soldiers faced extreme shortages of food, clothing, and medicine, causing widespread illness and death. Despite these hardships, the army received crucial training from Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer. This period was a turning point, as von Steuben’s discipline transformed the troops into a more professional and effective fighting force. -
The Treaty of Paris was signed by representatives from both Great Britain and the United States, officially ending the Revolutionary War. Britain recognized America’s independence and gave up land to the new nation.
Why it mattered: This treaty didn’t just end the war—it marked the beginning of the United States as a free and independent country.