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The French Walk In
At the conclusion of the French and Indian War, the French were defeated by the British. Moreover, the French resented the British and sided with Britain's enemies; the Americans. This attitude was reflected as the French secretly aided the American force with weapons and supplies since early 1776. -
The British Move South
The British troops moved the war from Boston, Massachusetts to the Middle states. This was done in an effort to isolate New England by seizing New York City, which they hoped would stop the rebellion. -
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Brothers Unite
General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe teamed up to form the largest British force to take over New York. This force consisted of 32,000 soldiers and Hessians. -
Americans fight for New York
Despite being outnumbered, untrained, and having poor equipment, Washington and his troops put up a fight to keep New York. However, in late August the battle ended as the Americans were defeated by the British force. -
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American Force Decreases
By late fall, the American force was pushed into Pennsylvania with less than 8,000 soldiers remaining. -
Battle of Trenton
During a storm, Washington led his men to Trenton, New Jersey where they surprised the Hessians (British) with an attack. Due to the storm, the Hessians consumed too much alcohol and did not expect a battle to come their way, which largely contributed to their loss. -
The End Is Near
The terms of Washington's 8,000 remaining soldiers were due to end on this date. Washington was hoping for a victory, especially to keep his men from going home. -
Battle of Princeton
At Princeton, New Jersey, shortly after the Battle of Trenton, the Americans were once again victorious. This event boosted their confidence, which caused Washington to lead his army into winter camp in northern New Jersey. -
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Capturing Philadelphia
General William Howe began his fight to capture Philadelphia; the American capital. In late August, he and his troops were nearby and afte making it past the Continental Congress, the Redcoats were able to seize the capital. -
Battle of Saratoga
On this date, General John Burgoyne surrendered his army to General Horatio Gates. This was due to the fact that General Howe failed to meet Burgoyne in New York, where they would have joined forces to attack the Americans together. As a result, Burgoyne and his troops were surrounded at Saratoga by the Americans, causing him to forfeit. This was marked as a turning point for the Americans. -
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Winter at Valley Forge
During this winter, the Continental Army set up camp at Valley Forge, outside Philadelphia. Here, the soldiers experienced harsh living conditions where they lacked food and clothes, along with many other supplies. Meanwhile, the British forces did not face the same struggles as they enjoyed fulfilling dinners in their warm homes. This winter marked a low point for George Washington and his troops during the Revolution. -
Treaty of Cooperation
As a result of the American victory at Saratoga, the French's faith in the Continental Army rose. The French, who now supported American independence, decided to sign an alliance with the Americans. They agreed to remain enemies with Great Britain until they supported American independence, as well. -
Out of Country Bumpkins
The Continental Army received services from a Hessian, Friedrich Von Steuben, who taught them military skills. He trained and transformed the soldiers into becoming a more powerful force. -
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British Move South
The British force decided to move South after their defeat at Saratoga, planning that it would work to their advantage. They hoped to continue the fight to regain former land with the help of their fellow Loyalists and eventually find their way back north again. -
Savannah, Georgia
Without too much struggle, General Henry Clinton led the British to capture Savannah, Georgia. -
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Lafayette
Similarly to Friedrich Von Steuben, Marquis de Lafayette also assisted the Continental Army. He did so by joining the army and helping at Valley Forge, seeking aid from France in 1779, and serving as a leader in Virginia in the years ahead. -
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Georgia
Georgia was commanded by a royal governor once again. -
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The French Arrive
When a French fleet landed in Newport, Rhode Island, Marquis de Lafayette proposed the idea of uniting the French and American forces, creating a greater and more effective one. Together they would attack the British soldiers at Yorktown, Virginia. -
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Successes
This year held many successes for General Charles Cornwallis and the British, as opposed to the year 1781. -
Charles Town
The British men also captured Charles Town South Carolina, which is claimed to be their greatest victory of the war. The British were able to achieve this under the leadership of Charles Cornwallis and Henry Clinton. -
Camden, South Carolina
With Cornwallis as their leader the British force was able to take Camden, South Carolina. By November, they set up forts across the state and even adanced into North Carolina, but we're pushed back south by the Continental Army. -
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Superintendant of Finance
Robert Morris was selected superintendent of finance. He then chose Haym Salomon to assist him at raising funds to finance the Continental Army. -
Cowpens
General Daniel Morgan and his group of American soldiers met up with Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton and his men at Cowpens, South Carolina. At this location, the Continental Army put up a fight strong enough to force the Red coats to surrender. -
Guilford Court House
As a result of the defeat against the American force at Cowpens, South Carolina, Cornwallis attacked American General, Nathanael Greene at Guilford Court House, North Carolina. Although the British won this battle, they were still weakened. -
Greene Asks for Help
Nathanael Greene wrote a letter to Marquis de Lafayette asking for his assistance with the rest of the Continental Army that was facing the British in the South. -
Financing the War
With the hard work of Robert Morris and Haym Salomon, the American troops were granted their paid salaries on this date. -
British Surrender at Yorktown
The joint French and American forces surrounded the British at the Yorktown peninsula and feeling hopeless, Cornwallis chose to surrender. -
British Surrender Again
Although the British raised the white flag to surrender on October 17th, it was not formally accepted until October 19th. At last, the American Revolution had come to an end with the Americans victorious. -
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Peace Talks
The American victory at Yorktown sparked peace talks, which began in Paris in 1782. The U.S. and France were interested in American independence, while Britain hoped for the complete opposite. Also, Spain wanted to claim the land between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed, officially declaring American independence, setting new boundaries, and resolving the whole issue of why the war began in the first place.
