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A Turning Point
In the early months of 1776, the French, who still had bad relations from the French and Indian war, began sending supplies to aid the Patriots. -
War moves to the Middle States
The British move the war to the Middle states, deciding to seize New York City. -
Defeat in New York
General William Howe and Richard Howe join forces on Staten Island. They sail into New York Harbor. -
Defeat in New York
By the late fall, Washington had been pushed into Pennsylvania. Many of his men deserted him, were killed, or were captured. Those left were due to leave soon, things looked very grim. -
The Battle of Trenton
On Christmas night, Washington's men travelled through the storm across the Delaware River to Trenton. -
The Battle of Trenton
The morning after christmas, Washington's men arrived in Trenton, New Jersey where the British were too hungover to fight properly. This led to a victorious surprise attack from the Patriots. -
The Battle of Trenton
Eight days after the battle at Trenton, Washington's men took another victory at Princeton. -
The Fight for Philadelphia
In the spring of 1777, the British captured Philadelphia. Washington's troops attempted to block the Redcoats in but to no avail. -
Defeat in New York
The battle for New York ends, leaving the outnumbered and untrained troops of the Continental Army at a loss. -
Victory at Saratoga
General Burgoyne surrenders his army to General Gates at Saratoga, going on to change the British war strategy. They now stayed along the coast. -
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Winter at Valley Forge
The Continental Army suffer through at Valley Forge, a low point for them. They freeze and suffer losses as the British stay warm in Philadelphia. -
A Turning Point
The French recognize America as independent, signing a treaty of cooperation. This treaty stated that French would not make peace with Britain unless Britain recognized America's independence. -
European Allies Shift the Balance
After suffering at Valley Forge, a transformation began when Friedrich von Steuben began to train the army. They soon became an effective fighting force. -
The British Move South
The British move their forces towards the South, where there is a better chance at Loyalist support and slaves to join the fight. -
Early British Success in the South
A British expedition takes Savannah, Georgia. -
Lafayette and the French
Marquise de Lafayette joins Washington at Valley Forge. He lobbied for reinforcements in France and led a command in Virginia the last years of the war. -
Early British Success in the South
A royal governor once again commands Georgia. -
Early British Success in the South
General Henry Clinton and Charles Cornwallis sail South with 8,500 men. -
Early British Success in the South
The British capture Charles Town, South Carolina, their greatest victory. Cornwallis is then left to command the troops in the South while Clinton goes to New York. -
Early British Success in the South
Cornwallis's army defeats American army at Camden, South Carolina. -
Early British Success in the South
Three months after their victory at Camden, the British established forts across the state. The British then advanced into North Carolina where they were attacked by Patriots and pushed back into South Carolina. -
British Losses in 1781
The British and American forces meet at Cowpens, South Carolina. Although expected to flee, the Continental Army surround and defeat the British. -
Financing the War
Robert Morris is appointed as superintendent of finance. He, along with Morris Salomon, raised money in order to pay the Continental Army as there was a shortage of money. -
British Losses in 1781
Greene writes a letter to Lafayette asking for his help. -
Financing the War
The troops are finally paid. -
Victory at Yorktown
Cornwallis, who's troops were outnumbered, raises the white flag of surrender. -
Winning the War
The British surrender the war as the American and French armies gather to watch. -
Victory at Yorktown
Washington, French Generals, and their troops gather to watch the British surrender. -
Seeking Peace
In Paris, peace talks begin. Britain wants to avoid giving America full independence, America wants full independence, the French Supports independence but does not want them gaining too much power, and Spain is interested in acquiring land. -
Seeking Peace
The Treaty of Paris is signed by delegates.
