Major Battles of the Revolutionary War by JAXTON POPE

Lexington & Concord

jpope27 — 2024-10-11 19:32:57 UTC

On the way to siege weapons from the colonists, the patriots intercepted the British troops resulting in the famous 'shot heard round the world. When the British got to Concord they met with a fighting force of 300-400 that ultimately forced the withdrawal of the British. Lexington & Concord is important for two reasons. One, the battle was the start of the war. Two, the battle was disastrous for the British and it convinced colonists to join the war.

Bunker Hill

jpope27 — 2024-10-16 14:16:39 UTC

Bunker Hill was a battle in which the British attempted to surround Boston to lay the city on siege. Although the British ultimately won and succeeded in laying siege to Boston the British army suffered massive casualties. They lost more men than the defeated Patriots. Bunker Hill is significant because it was the first major battle and predicted the outcome of the rest of the war.

Trenton

jpope27 — 2024-10-16 14:27:11 UTC

On Christmas night the Continental Army led by George Washington attacked a Hessian regiment. In just one hour the Hessians surrendered and the Continental Army captured nearly 900 Hessians and a large supply of bayonets, muskets, swords, and cannons. This was a massive win for America and set the stage for the battle of Princeton.

Saratoga

jpope27 — 2024-10-16 14:35:18 UTC

Saratoga was the true turning point of the war. The defeat of the far superior British army lifted morale, pushed for independence, and helped secure support for France, which was needed to win the war. France provided many resources, troops, and uniforms, but the French Navy was the most impactful. The Continental Army could now go toe to toe with the British in more ways opening up for opportunity for strategic victories.

Cowpens

jpope27 — 2024-10-16 14:35:43 UTC

At the battle of Cowpens, the American Army used decoy troops that would quickly retreat after being attacked by British forces with the Continental Army behind them. After retreating the British Army followed the American decoy running into the Continental Army with the original decoy troops surrounding the British from behind. The battle of Cowpens was an overwhelming American victory. The Britsh had lost 110 soldiers 40 of which were officers, and found themselves with another 200 wounded. Meanwhile, the Continental Army only lost 12 men with 60 wounded.

Yorktown

jpope27 — 2024-10-16 14:46:13 UTC

At the battle of Yorktown, the American forces trapped the British Army on a peninsula at Chesapeake Bay while the French Navy blocked the entrance to the bay. The British troops were completely surrounded by the Continental Army and its allies forcing the surrender of the British to General Cornwallis. This was the last major land battle of the American Revolution and led to negotiations for peace with the British with the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.