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Battles at Lexington and Concord
This battle kicked off the American Revolutionary War. On the night before, many British troops marched from Boston to Concord to seize arms. Paul Revere was one of the riders who sounded the alarm. The British lost this battle. -
Invasion of Quebec
This battle was the first major defeat for the Americans in the Revolutionary War. The Americans were led by Colonel Benedict Arnold and General Richard Montgomery. They attempted to capture Quebec, which was British-occupied, and win its support for the Americans in Canada. The attack did not work, and Montgomery died in the process. -
Battle of Trenton
General George Washington's army ventured across Delaware on Christmas Day, and through the next ten days won two crucial battles. He defeated a garrison of Hessian mercenaries before he withdrew. This victory gave Americans more control over New Jersey and improved morale and unity of the militia and army. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War and was a two part battle. On September 19, the British general John Burgoyne won a small victory over the Americans who were led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. He attacked again on October 7 even though his troops were weakened and this battle lasted 10 days. He surrendered on the 10th day. The American victory convinced the French to recognize the colonists and ally them in this war. -
Battle of Cowpens
This battle was a turning point in the Southern campaign of the war. The Americans inflicted heavy casualties on the British led by Brigadier General Daniel Morgan. The British were led by Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. This battle showed that the Patriots could defeat a similar British army without any other factor of location or surprise. -
Battle of Yorktown
This was the most important battle of the Revolutionary War. This battle ended the war for independence. General George Washington was leading the French and Continental troops and the British were led by General Lord Charles Cornwallis. Cornwallis said he was sick on the day of the official surrender, and his second in command, General Charles O'Hara, carried his sword to the American and French commanders.
