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Early on in the war for independence, the French had begun to supply the American's with weaponry. To the French, this was a way to get back at the British and to gauge how well the American's fight.
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The British began shifting the war from New England down to the middle colonies. They specifically aimed for New York City, being one of the most important areas in the middle colonies.
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British General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe unite to take on New York City.
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The American forces, despite their efforts over the summer, are described as retreating. The men are running off in chaos, attempting to avoid the mortars and being captured.
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Following their defeat at New York, the American forces are hounded after by the British. By late Fall, they have been forced across the Delaware River and into Pennsylvania.
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General Washington, in a desperate attempt for a victory, set out towards Trenton across the Delaware River on Christmas night. The following day, he had taken back Trenton in a victory over the Hessian's stationed there. Here is the link to the image.
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On this date, the American forces would have their contracts end. They could renew them or leave, and due to their conditions, it was predicted many would abandon the cause. Thus, Washington needed victory to convince to the men to stay.
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Shortly after Washington's victory over at Trenton, another American force takes on British troops at Princeton, earning a victory and boosting morale.
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General William Howe sets out to take another major American city, this time being Philadelphia, PA. Washington stalls while Congress flees.
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The American forces led by General Horatio Gates managed to surround the British forces led by General John Burgoyne. The British army is forced to surrender, forever changing British tactics or the rest of the war.
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The winter of Valley Forge marked a time when the American forces were at their lowest. While the British stayed comfortably within Philadelphia, the American forces camped outside in terrible freezing conditions. Despite this, the American's pull through the winter to fight on.
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Following the American victory at Saratoga, the French finally deemed the American cause worthy to fight for. They accepted the American's as independent and would wage war against the British.
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Friedrich von Stäuben arrived at Valley Forge to train the American troops. He realized they had the will for victory, but would need proper training in order to be an effective army. Thus, he trained the men through the winter.
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As a result of the British loss at Saratoga, they move southward towards friendlier territory. The British had hoped to receive aid from Loyalists and to reclaim the southern colonies.
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A British expedition lands at Savannah, GA, where they quickly conquer the area.
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Marquis de Lafayette requests for French reinforcements, later proving vital to the American cause.
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The British quickly conquered the small state of Georgia and put a Royal Governor into power.
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Finally, after Lafayette's requests in 1789, the French reinforcements land at Newport, Rhode Island.
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These two British generals are put into place to replace General Howe. They head south to follow the British plans at the time.
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Generals Clinton and Cornwallis capture the city of Charlestown, NC, being the greatest British victory of the entire war. Shortly afterward, General Clinton departs for New York, leaving Cornwallis in command.
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The British army led by Charles Cornwallis defeat American forces at Camden, SC. For the following three months, the British construct forts all over South Carolina.
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Congress recognizes the growing problems with money, inflation, and the ability to pay and supply the troops. Thus, they appoint Robert Morris, a rich Philadelphia merchant, as Superintendent of Finance.
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American forces led by General Daniel Morgan clash with the British forces led by Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. The American's find victory despite their smaller numbers.
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As revenge for Cowpens, Cornwallis strikes at General Morgan. The British pull out a victory at the cost of heavy casualties inflicted upon them by the Americans.
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General Greene realizes the British have been severely weakened, and thus seeks out aid from Lafayette to attempt to defeat the remaining British forces.
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Due to the efforts of Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, the American troops finally received a gold coin as their pay for their services.
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Spotting an opportunity to trap the British, American and French forces surround Yorktown, Virginia, where the British were camping at. The British are placed under siege, and after three weeks, surrender on October 17th, 1781. The American and French generals accept the surrender on October 19th, 1781.
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British forces led by General Charles Cornwallis surrender the entire war to the French and American forces, led by General George Washington and Marquis de Lafayette. Although the British have been completely defeated and are willing to retreat, the American's must still gain independence through a peace treaty.
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The U.S., France, Great Britain, and Spain assemble in Paris to discuss the terms of the peace treaty. Before anything begins, the American representatives demand they be recognized as independent.
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After almost two years of peace talks, the Treaty of Paris is signed. The treaty recognizes the United States as its' own sovereign nation and sets the boundaries of the new nation.
