Battles Flashcards
Lexington and Concord
The first battle of the American Revolution (shot heard around the world).
Bunker Hill
Really took place on Breed’s Hill.
Both wanted the advantage of the hills - high points
Britain suffered heavy losses - 1,000 more than double the colonists lost.
It took the British three times to take the hill from the colonists
While it was a loss for the colonists and they had to retreat - they gained confidence which was much needed.
Battle of New York
Both sides wanted to control New York City due to it being a seaport - water access.
The British thought if they took NYC, they could cut off NEW ENGLAND from the rest of the colonies.
Battle of Trenton
On the road to camp for the winter, Washington came upon 1,400 German Hessians at Trenton.
Under the cover of night on the day after Christmas, Washington and his 2,400 troops crossed the Delaware River to catch the Hessians by surprise.
Battle of Brandywine
Took place between Baltimore and Philadelphia
Howe & Cornwallis SPILT 18,000 troops to SURROUND Washington
Longest 1 day battle - lasted 11 hours
Washington lost 1,110 troops, had to retreat
British troops took Philadelphia
Battle of Saratoga
Two battles - Britain wins the first & the colonies win the second
Britain surrendered over 6,000 troops.
This is the TURNING POINT of the war
The French made an official alliance with the colonists
Troops, guns/weapons, ships, etc.
Valley Forge
Battle against winter & the elements
Washington’s winter camp
Fighting against the cold, disease, hunger
No supplies - begged Congress to send help
They finally do after 5 congressmen visit
Prussian Baron helps to train Washington’s soldiers
Battle of Princeton
Washington left troops at Trenton (500 of them) and launched a sneak attack on the British in Princeton.
Washington had his troops burn a bridge so the British couldn’t follow them.
Washington had to join in the fight to help the colonists win.
Big boost for the morale of troops & the people.
War in the South and West
British and Native Americans had alliances - continued those throughout the war and fought battles together against the Patriots - WEST
Loyalists in the south fought on behalf of the British
Battle of Yorktown
1781
The French fleet came to fight the British navy in the Chesapeake Bay - French ships were victorious (Lafayette).
Meanwhile, Rochambeau joins Washington on land to push Cornwallis back into the fort & trap him there.
Disease (malaria) spread through the British.
Cornwallis is forced to surrender after 3 weeks.
This ends the American Revolution
The Treaty of Paris OFFICIALLY ends the War in 1783
