Key Battles of the American Revolution

Battle of Lexington and Concord of 1775 -

The British started to march to where the colonists lived in search of weapons. One of the members of the Sons of Liberty got word that the British were on their way. Paul Revere, Samuel Prescott, and William Dawes went all through concord and Lexington to warn the colonists militia that the British were coming (Paul Revere got arrested). This is the battle where the phrase “Shot heard around the world” comes from. The Colonists were able to beat the British troops and claim victory. This Battle was also the start of the American Revolution.

Battle of Bunker Hill 1775 -

The British were in control of Boston so the colonists wanted to free Boston from the British. The British believed that the colonists had a cannon in their possession. The British ended up winning but at a huge cost. They lost a lot of their troops. 

Battle for New York 1776 - 

The British fought off the continental army (led by Washington) and gained control of the port.

Battle of Trenton 1776 (after Christmas) -

Washington surprised Hessians in New Jersey and captured many but some escaped. Washington’s strategy was incredibly successful and it boosted the confidence of many Americans.

Battle of Saratoga 1777 - 

The British wanted to isolate New England from the United States. The Americans defeated the British and gained an alliance with France. (Saratoga is the turning point to this conflict)

Battle of the Monmouth Courthouse 1778 -

Washington sent a smaller group of his troops to harass the British (led by Clinton)  instead of his main army. The battle was inconclusive. 

Siege of Charleston 1780 - 

General Clinton (British) wanted control of Carolina so he sailed with his troops and surrounded the American militia. The colonists had no choice but to surrender. The British ended up winning this battle.

Battle of Camden 1780 -

Camden contained military storehouses and important industries that would mean a lot to the British with their war effort in the South. It is known as one of the worst defeats in American history and left the British in temporary control of southern colonies.

Battle of Cowpens 1781 - 

The colonists have already been trying to stop the British from converting the south and after already fighting them before. Weakened British and after this battle the end of all fighting was in sight.

Siege of Yorktown 1781 - 

This Battle was the last battle until the colonists received their independence from the British.

Washington will never get New York City. Washington puts out a message (false) that wants it to be intercepted “we are gonna attack New York City”. Clinton gets in possession of the message and so they get ready to protect New York but they never come. Cornwallis tried to escape by crossing the red river that night but it was not possible because it was storming. Commander of the losing side (Clinton) goes to the commander of the winning side (Washington) and says they will not fight anymore.