Revolutionary War Battles

After the battle of Bunker Hill, who was named Commander of the Continental Army?

George Washington

January 1776

Published in 1776, this pamphlet by Thomas Paine, challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. It spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain.

Common Sense

March 1776

Under George Washington’s direction, Colonel Henry Knox placed a cannon in position near Boston Harbor. What was the effect of this action?

The British left Boston Harbor and headed to Halifax in Canada.

Meanwhile, Colonel Knox brought more canons to Boston to prepare for their return

July 4, 1776

What important document was approved by Congress?

Declaration of Independence

August 1776

When the British navy returned from Canada, the first major battle happened in what location?

Long Island, New York

Which army retreated from the Battle of Long Island?

George Washington’s Continental Army

September 1776

After being captured as a spy, and then hanged by the British, this person said these famous words, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."

Nathan Hale

December 25, 1776

This surprise attack was a major victory for George Washington. Where did it take place?

Trenton, New Jersey

Why was Trenton an important win for George Washington?

Washington thought it would prevent his soldiers from giving up.

September and October 1777

These battles were crucial victories for the Patriots. Many British soldiers were killed and over 5000 were taken prisoner. It was a turning point in the war. Where did this take place?

Saratoga

Fighting on horseback, this person received a wound in his leg during the second battle of Saratoga, and was considered a hero.

Benedict Arnold

After the Americans won the battle of Saratoga, this country decided to send money, soldiers and a navy to help defeat the British.

France

November 1777

How did the British gain an advantage by capturing Philadelphia?

They were able to rest during the winter in warm buildings, and had good food supplies.

Where was George Washington’s army while the British were resting comfortably in Philadelphia?

Valley Forge

How did Baron Friedrich van Steuben help George Washington?

He taught the Continental soldiers how to handle their weapons and trained them how to fight in battles.

Why did the British decide to move the war to the south?

They thought there were more loyalists there, and hoped they would join the British cause, which would help end the war sooner.

When the war moved south, this person changed sides to help the British, and became known as a traitor to the Americans.

Benedict Arnold

This commander of the Continental army used a strategy of “wearing out” the British troops by having them chase after his troops and then losing a short battle to them.

Nathanael Greene

After running out of supplies, the British General Cornwallis, went to meet up with British ships in this location.

Cornwallis was unable to meet up with the British ships because

Why couldn’t Cornwallis escape from Yorktown by land?

He was blocked by George Washington’s army on the land side.

When Cornwallis realized his situation in Yorktown, what did he do?

He was forced to surrender.

True or False

There were more battles after Yorktown.

True, but Yorktown was the last major battle.

Where was the treaty signed that ended the Revolutionary War?

Paris, France