Key Battles and Figures of the American Revolution: Long Island, Saratoga, Yorktown

Who was William Howe?

A British general with around 32,000 men.

What role did Robert Morris play in the Revolutionary War?

He was a wealthy Pennsylvania merchant and banker who personally loaned large amounts of money to the war effort.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Long Island?

It was an overwhelming victory for Britain, with many American soldiers fleeing and 1,500 becoming casualties.

What happened to Nathan Hale?

He was sent by Washington to spy on the British, caught, and hanged.

Who was Marquis de Lafayette?

A European military officer who supported the American cause.

What occurred during the Battle of Brandywine?

On September 11, 1777, William Howe defeated Washington and captured Philadelphia.

What was the significance of the Battle of Saratoga?

It was a major turning point and a victory for America.

What happened at Valley Forge?

Washington's troops took refuge there, suffering from cold and food shortages, which nearly killed 2,500 men, but they still received training.

Who was General Cornwallis?

A British officer who invaded Virginia.

What was the Battle of Yorktown?

The final battle of the American Revolutionary War.

What was the Treaty of Paris, 1783?

It was signed to officially end the Revolutionary War and recognize the independence of the United States.

What happened when Washington defended Long Island?

Washington's troops' inexperience became obvious, leading them to abandon Long Island and retreat to the northern end of Manhattan.

How did Washington slow down the British advance in December 1776?

He led approximately 2,400 men to the Delaware River, attacking Hessians and achieving two small victories.

What was British General Burgoyne's plan in 1777?

To isolate New England from the other American states.

What did General Howe do with his army?

He loaded about 13,000 men on ships and moved them to Maryland, then attacked Philadelphia from the south.

What was the significance of Valley Forge to the revolution?

It was where Washington's troops took refuge, faced severe hardships, but secured training for the army.

What happened to General Burgoyne at Saratoga?

He surrendered due to a lack of supplies, marking a turning point for the American Revolution.

Why did the French wait to join the American cause?

They were waiting for a turning point, specifically the victory at Saratoga, before committing.

How did the Battle of King's Mountain affect loyalist activity in the South?

Ferguson's brutality led to southern farmers becoming furious with British treatment, effectively ending loyalist activity.

How did the French contribute to the end of the war at Yorktown?

French forces arrived from the Caribbean, preventing Cornwallis from escaping by sea or receiving supplies, leading to the bombardment of Yorktown.