2. Early on, Patriots struggle – lose all key
cities in the Northeast
British Army is better trained and better armed. Many
Loyalists fight on side of the Brits…
Britain had a much larger population and the best
military in the world.
We know America
wins, but how?
3. Battle of Brooklyn July/August 1776
Winner: British
British Army takes New York City. Washington
and his army narrowly escape being totally
defeated.
1
4. Battle of Trenton December, 1776
Winner: Americans
Washington’s Army has broken up – he now
has only 8000 men
Needs a victory to keep them from quitting
Washington crosses the Delaware River in NJ on
Christmas Night, surprising a force of drunken
Hessian Mercenaries, capturing 918.
*Important victory because it boost morale – keeps
soldiers fighting
5. Battle of Saratoga, NY October, 1777
Winner: Americans
Turning point of the war as Americans under
General Horatio Gates defeat British force of
soldiers, mercenaries, and Mohawk Indians.
Battle proves that Americans could win the
war. As a result, France enters into an
alliance with America.
6. Following Saratoga, Washington’s forces spend
brutal winter camped at Valley Forge, PA
20% of troops die from exposure, illness, and
hunger, but they persevere
Valley Forge as a sign of determination and
Washington’s leadership
Weak central government has trouble sending
supplies
7. Many foreign officers
eagerly joined the
Patriot cause
Marquis de Lafayette
volunteered and led
American troops in
battle
Friedrich von
Steuben, a Prussian
officer, trained
American soldiers
8. Battle of Charleston May, 1780
Winner: British
British take the war to the South, hoping for
support from Loyalists.
Charleston is a big victory for ambitious
General CORNWALLIS.
British march North, and win another battle at
Camden SC
British brutality in the South causes anger and
loss of support
9. Battle of Kings Mountain, Battle of
Cowpens, Battle of Guilford Courthouse (late
1780 – Spring 1781) Winner: Split
Patriots win important victories at King
Mountain and Cowpens, SC.
British win a costly victory at Guilford
Courthouse in Greensboro.
Cornwallis and Brits head north to VA
10. Battle of Yorktown October, 1781
Winner: Americans
British troops are surrounded by Americans
and French naval fleet.
Cornwallis surrenders British army to
Washington.
LAST MAJOR BATTLE OF THE WAR!
11. FOR WOMEN
FOR AFRICAN
AMERICANS*
War is a struggle for
women and children
Women fill roles of
men and home and
some fight in battles
Inflation and
shortages effect
everyone
Many fight for the
Patriot cause
More joined British
for promise of
freedom
An estimated
100,000 African
Americans
* Primary materials and notes on Af. Americans in the war.
12. Treaty of Paris – 1783 ends the war
Confirms US Independence and sets national
boundaries
Becomes
Symbol of
Democracy,
Equality, and
Freedom to
The World