Battles of the American Revolution by Julie Drescher

Battles of Lexington and Concord (April 19th, 1775)

drescherjul714 — 2025-09-29 15:28:17 UTC

The first armed battles of the American Revolution kicked off after the American protests. British forces enter Concord, Boston, to assert their authority and seize the colonists' weapons. Paul Revere and others warned the countryside of British troops.

(Fun Fact! - Popular phrase "The British are coming!" was actually never directly said.)

In Lexington, about 70 colonist men faced 700 British soldiers.

(Fun fact!- A mysterious shot was fired.)

In Concord, fights broke out with colonists pushing back on British troops.

This showed that colonists were not only willing to fight but they were willing to die for their independence.

Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17th, 1775)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 19:59:37 UTC

After months of rising tension around Boston, colonial troops fortified Breed's Hill. The British launched several attacks up the hill, eventually taking it, but at a huge cost.

(Fun Fact! - The colonists actually built their defenses on Breed's Hill, not Bunker Hill.)

Even though the British won, the heavy losses showed the Americans could stand their ground against one of the strongest armies in the world.

Siege of Boston (April 1775- March 1776)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 20:07:52 UTC

Colonial forces surrounded Boston, trapping British troops inside the city. For nearly a year, neither side made significant gains.

(Fun Fact! - The Americans secretly dragged cannons from Fort Ticonderoga over 300 miles to Boston in winter.)

When those cannons were placed on Dorchester Heights, the British realized they couldn't win and evacuated Boston.

Battle of Long Island (August 27th, 1776)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 20:13:29 UTC

The British attacked New York, forcing Washington's army into retreat. The Americans were outnumbered and surrounded.

(Fun Fact! - Washington escaped across the East River at night, though heavy fog, saving his ENTIRE army.)

Though it was a loss, it proved Washington's leadership and the army's ability to survive.

Battle of Trenton (December 26th, 1776)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 20:18:50 UTC

On Christmas night, Washington led his men across the icy Delaware River to surprise Hessian soldiers in Trenton.

(Fun Fact! - Two men froze to death on the march, but none during the attack itself.)

The victory boosted morale and gave new hope to the struggling Continental Army

Battle of Princeton (January 3rd, 1777)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 20:23:32 UTC

A week after Trenton, Washington tricked the British by sneaking around their camp and launching an attack at Princeton.

(Fun Fact! - Washington rode on horseback through enemy fire to rally his men.)

The win helped convince more colonists to join the fight and boosted faith in the cause for independence.

Battles of Saratoga (September - October 1777)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 20:27:32 UTC

American troops defeated the British in upstate New York after two major battles.

(Fun Fact! - British General Burgoyne brought 30 wagons of personal belongings, including fine china and wine.)

The victory at Saratoga convinced France to join the war on America's side, turning the tide of the Revolution.

Battle of Monmouth (June 28th, 1778)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 21:05:56 UTC

Fought in the intense New Jersey heat, this battle showed the improved discipline of Washington's army after training at Valley Forge.

(Fun Fact! - "Molly Pitcher" became a legend for carrying water to soldiers and firing a cannon after her husband collapsed.)

The battle ended in a draw, but proved the Continental Army could go head-to-head with the British.

Battle of the Chesapeake (September 5th, 1781)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 21:10:07 UTC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8RhK8UmOkMA massive naval battle off Virginia between the French and British fleets. The French blocked British ships from reaching Yorktown.

(Fun Fact! - No American ships fought in this battle; it was entirely between France and Britain.)

The French victory trapped British forces and made Yorktown possible.

Battle of Yorktown (September 28th- October 19th, 1781)

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 21:13:46 UTC

Washington's forces and French forces surrounded the British at Yorktown, cutting off escape and supplies.

(Fun Fact! - British troops played the song "The world turned upside down" during their surrender.)

Cornwallis surrendered, marking the end of major fighting in the revolution

Sources

drescherjul714 — 2025-10-22 21:25:47 UTC

Battle of Bunker Hill- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/bunker-hill

Siege of Boston- https://www.masshist.org/online/siege/index.php

Battle of Long Island- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/brooklyn

Battle of Trenton- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/trenton

Battle of Princeton- https://pbs1777.org/the-battle-of-princeton/

Battles of Saratoga- https://www.britannica.com/event/Battles-of-Saratoga

Battle of Monmouth- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/monmouth

Battle of Chesapeake- https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/battle-of-the-chesapeake

Battle of Yorktown- https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/yorktown