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On April 18, 1775, Paul Revere rode from Boston to warn colonists that British troops were coming. After seeing two lanterns in the Old North Church, he spread the alarm to towns like Lexington and Concord. His ride helped prepare for the battles that began the American Revolution. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord took place on April 19, 1775, and marked the start of the American Revolutionary War. British troops marched to Concord to seize weapons and arrest leaders, but colonial militias confronted them in Lexington. Shots were fired, and fighting continued in Concord. The British were forced to retreat to Boston, with heavy casualties, signaling the beginning of open conflict between the colonies and Britain. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill, fought on June 17, 1775, was one of the first major battles of the American Revolutionary War. Took place near Boston, Massachusetts, primarily on Breed’s Hill, despite the name. American colonial forces, though inexperienced and low on ammunition, put up a strong defense against British troops. The British ultimately won the battle but suffered heavy casualties. The battle demonstrated that the colonists could stand up to the British army and boosted American morale. -
The Creation of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 marked a pivotal moment in American history. Drafted primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the document formally declared the thirteen American colonies’ freedom from British rule. It outlined the colonies’ reasons for seeking independence, emphasizing natural rights like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Adopted on July 4, 1776, it became the foundation for the United States’ identity as a free and independent nation. -
Thomas Paine's "The American Crisis" was a series of pamphlets written during the American Revolution to inspire and motivate colonists. Published in late 1776, Paine’s famous opening line, "These are the times that try men's souls," urged Americans to continue the fight for independence despite hardships. His writings helped boost morale during tough moments of the war. -
The Crossing of the Delaware River was a pivotal moment during the American Revolutionary War. On the night of December 25–26, 1776, General George Washington led Continental Army troops across the icy Delaware River from Pennsylvania into New Jersey. This surprise attack on the Hessian forces in Trenton resulted in a crucial American victory, boosting morale and changing the course of the war. -
The Battle of Trenton, fought on December 26, 1776, was a pivotal Revolutionary War victory for the American Continental Army led by George Washington. After crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas night, Washington's troops launched a surprise attack on the Hessian forces stationed in Trenton, New Jersey. The victory boosted American morale and revitalized the revolutionary cause during a critical time. -
The Battles of Saratoga (1777) were a turning point in the American Revolution. The American forces, led by General Horatio Gates, defeated the British army under General John Burgoyne in two key battles. The victory boosted American morale and convinced France to formally ally with the U.S., providing crucial military support. -
The Winter at Valley Forge (1777-1778) was a difficult but crucial period during the American Revolutionary War. The Continental Army, led by George Washington, camped at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, facing harsh cold, hunger, and disease. Despite these hardships, the army used the time to train and strengthen under the guidance of Baron von Steuben, improving discipline and skills. This transformation helped turn the Continental Army into a more effective fighting force. -
The Battle of Yorktown (1781) was the final major battle of the American Revolution. American and French forces, led by General George Washington and French General Rochambeau, trapped the British army under General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. After weeks of siege, Cornwallis surrendered, effectively ending the war and securing American independence. -
The Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the American Revolutionary War. Signed by representatives from the U.S. and Great Britain, it recognized American independence and set new borders for the country. The treaty also addressed issues like fishing rights and debts, and Britain agreed to withdraw its troops from American territory. -
The Battle of Philadelphia usually refers to the British capture of Philadelphia during the American Revolutionary War in 1777. British forces, led by General Howe, successfully took the city, which was then the American capital, after defeating the Continental Army at the Battle of Brandywine. The occupation gave the British control of a major city but did not end the war, as the American forces continued to resist elsewhere.