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Ticonderoga:
Fort Ticonderoga was a key access point to Canada and the Hudson River Valley during the French and Indian War. On May 10, 1775, Benedict Arnold of Massachusetts joined Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys of Vermont in an attack on the fort at dawn, surprising and capturing the British garrison as they slept. The Battle of Fort Ticonderoga was the first American victory of the Revolutionary War. It gave the Continental Army the needed artillery to be used in future battles. -
Bunker Hill:
This was on June 17, 1775. Boston was being surrounded by thousands of American militia. The British were trying to keep control of the city and control its seaports.The British decided to take the hills, Bunker and Breeds, so they would have a tactical advantage. The British won, but lost many soldiers and officers, which was a heavy cost. This gave the Americans courage to know that they could stand up to the British in battle. After this, many colonists joined the war effort. -
Trenton:
The Hessian force at Trenton was under the leadership of Colonel Johann Rall. Rall had received warnings of colonial movements, but his men were tired and very unprepared for Washington’s attack. Washington sent flanks and fired cannons on the garrison. Rall attempted to rally his troops, but was shot from his horse and killed. The Hessians surrendered. 22 were killed, 92 wounded, 918 captured and 400 escaped. The Americans had 2 dead and 2 wounded. -
Princeton:
On January 3, 1777, Washington sent a small force to destroy a bridge. Mercer’s men encountered Redcoats and Mercer was killed in the fighting. Arriving militiamen under Col. Cadwalader had little effect. Then Washington arrived, riding between the firing lines until his horse refused to keep going. The Americans rallied and broke through Mercer’s lines. The Americans took prisoners, arms and supplies but withdrew after winning. -
Brandywine:
Gen. Sir William Howe and Gen. Charles Cornwallis attack Gen. George Washington and the Patriot outpost at Brandywine Creek. They used 18,000 British troops in two separate divisions. Washington was caught of guard by the oncoming British attack. Washington ordered his men to abandon their posts and retreat. Defeated, they marched north and camped at Germantown, Pennsylvania. -
Saratoga:
Saratoga
The main leader for the British was General John Burgoyne. The Americans were led by Major General Horatio Gates, General Benedict Arnold, and Benjamin Lincoln. The Battles of Saratoga and the surrender of the British army under General Burgoyne was a major turning point of the Revolutionary War. The American morale was boosted and the country now felt they could win this war. From this, the French decided to support the Americans with military aid. -
Monmouth:
Gen. George Washington went to attack Gen. Sir Henry Clinton as his troops marched from Philadelphia to New York. Washington told Major Gen. Charles Lee and 5,000 men to attack the British rear guard. Lee was forced to retreat with the British in pursuit. As Lee fell back, Washington advanced with the main army and rallied the troops. Repeated British attacks were fought off before the fighting ended with both sides claiming victory. -
Cowpens:
American troops under Gen. Daniel Morgan fought British forces under Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. The victory boosted morale greatly. American rifles proved to be effective. About 800 British troops were killed, wounded, or captured. There were less than 100 American casualties. This demonstrated that they could outfight the British force without surprise or geographical advantages. -
Yorktown:
Gen. George Washington, commanding about 17,000 troops, begins a siege against British General Lord Charles Cornwallis and 9,000 British Troops. He ordered Marquis de Lafayette and 5,000 troops to block Cornwallis’ escape by land. The French naval fleet blocked the British escape by sea. Washington had completely trapped Yorktown by September 28. After three weeks of bombardement from cannon and artillery, Cornwallis surrendered to Washington ending the War for Independence.
