Background: Colonists wanted to drive out the British troops that were controlling Boston. The colonists tried to fortify Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill to protect the city, but the British attacked them.

What happened?: The British attacked and the colonists were low on ammo. The British took the hill at the cost of many men.

Impact: The British suffered because they lost men, but it showed that the colonists could fight. This foreshadowed the war to be long and tough.

Background: Some of the American colonists wanted peace with Britain. They sent the petition to stop the war peacefully to King George III.

What happened?: The King refused to read the petition. He declared the colonies in rebellion and prepared for war.

Impact: The failure ended hopes for a peaceful resolution. It pushed the colonies closer to declaring independence from Britain.

Background: Some colonists were unsure about gaining full independence so Thomas Paine wrote Common Sense to convince colonists that independence was the best option.

What happened?: Paine argued that monarchy was bad, and the colonies could govern themselves better. He explained why the colonies should break away from Britain.

Impact: This caused many to be in support for the independence. It also helped unify the colonists.

Background: The Continental Congress decided to declare their separation from Britain officially. Thomas Jefferson wrote the document.

What happened?: It stated that the colonies were now free and independent states. It listed reasons for breaking away, including unfair laws and taxes by the British.

Impact: This marked the birth of the United States. The Revolutionary War continued, and independence was the main goal.

Background: British forces aimed to capture New York City to weaken the rebellion. George Washington and the Continental Army tried to defend the city, positioning troops on Long Island to stop the British.

What happened?: The British launched a surprise attack. The Continental Army suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat. Washington managed an escape with his troops across the East River, saving his army from defeat.

Impact: The British won the battle and captured New York City. It was a major knock back for America.

Background: Washington needed a victory to inspire his troops and supporters. British forces had left Hessian (German) mercenaries in Trenton and stationed more troops in Princeton.

What happened?: At Trenton, Washington led a surprise attack, crossing the Delaware River at night. The American forces caught the Hessians off guard and won a quick victory. Washington moved to Princeton. There, his forces defeated the British unit.

Impact: These victories restored hope in the American cause.

Background: British General Burgoyne aimed to divide the colonies by capturing New York. The Continental Army blocked his advance near Saratoga.

What happened?: The Americans won two key battles, surrounding Burgoyne's army. He was forced to surrender.

Impact: This was a turning point in the war. It convinced France to join the war on the American side, providing support.

Background: After the American victory at Saratoga, France saw that the colonies had a real chance to win. They had secretly been providing supplies but were not yet openly involved.

What happened?: France officially entered the war, an alliance with the United States. They sent troops, ships, and money to help the American cause.

Impact: France’s participation was crucial. It gave the Americans a lot of military support.

Background: General Washington and the Continental Army set up camp at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. They faced harsh winter conditions, lack of supplies, and low confidence.

What happened?:The army stayed together through the cold. Baron von Steuben, a Prussian military officer, helped train the soldiers, improving their discipline and skills.

Impact: The army emerged stronger and more unified. The tough winter at Valley Forge became a symbol of American endurance and determination during the war.

Background: The British, set up camp in Yorktown, Virginia. Washington saw an opportunity to trap them. The Continental Army with French troops, surrounded the British.

What happened?: The Americans and French surrounded Yorktown and attacked British positions with heavy fire. After weeks of fighting, Cornwallis was forced to surrender.

Impact: The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the war. It effectively ended the American Revolution.

Background: After the British defeat at Yorktown, peace talks began. American, British, and French representatives met to discuss the terms.

What happened?: The Treaty of Paris was signed, officially ending the Revolutionary War. It recognized American independence and set new borders for the United States.

Impact: The treaty marked the birth of the United States as an independent nation. It also paved the way for future expansion.