Key Moments in the American Revolution

Battle of Saratoga - 1777

• a major victory for the Americans, which convinced France to formally ally with the colonies

• the victory was celebrated with fireworks across the colonies

• fought between the British and American forces 

• led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold

• boosted Americans confidence and brought crucial foreign support

Winter at Valley Forge - 1177-1778

• the continental army endured harsh conditions, but the training and discipline, they received helped turn the tide of the war

• many soldiers wrapped rags around their bare feet to survive in the cold

• located in Pennsylvania

• many soldiers suffered from cold, hunger, and diseases

• Baron von Steuben trained the army to become more disiplined

• made the army stronger and more organized to fight

Battle of Yorktown - 1781

• the final major battle, where British General Cornwallis surrendered to General George Washington, effectively ending the war

• The French navy blocked British ships from escaping

• Cornwallis surrendered October 1781

• America won independence

The Treaty of Paris

• treaty of Paris officially ended the revolutionary war, recognizing American Independence

• US gained territory, including land west of the Missisippi River, and britian agreed to remove its troops from American soil

• the treaty laid the foundation for the establishment of the US as an independent nation

Marquis de Lafayette

• young French nobleman who joined Washington

• helped secure French aid

• led troops in key battles

• named his son George Washington Lafayette

• strengthened the US France alliance and inspired both Nations