The Revolutionary War is one of the most important wars in America's history. Through the Revolutionary War, the United States of America gained its independence against Great Britain. This bloody war changed the history of the world forever.
Patriots Vs. Loyalists
In America, many Americans not only fought the British, but also other Americans. The patriots were the people devoted to making the US an independent nation while the loyalists were the people that felt as though America should stay a colony of Great Britain. This led to Americans fighting other Americans and even, quite literally, neighbors fighting neighbors.
“The Shot Heard Round the World”
The Revolutionary War started in April 1775. English General Thomas Cage, and his 4000 troops were stationed in Boston. A small American militia confronted General Cage's army at Lexington and Concord and the first casualties of the Revolutionary War occurred. This event became known as “The Shot Heard Round the World.” This was caused by a variety of things, including taxes, which many Americans thought were unfair, and retaliations by America rose Great Britain's anger towards America.
The Battle of Trenton
The Battle of Trenton is considered one of the most famous battles of the American Revolutionary War. After a series of dominating defeats by the British, on the night of December 25, 1776, General George Washington lead 2,500 soldiers across the Delaware River.
After sneaking another nine miles on foot, General George Washington's troops reached the British army. The dazed and drunken army were slain mostly by the bayonets, and stood little chance of fighting back. This Christmas victory raised the troops moral greatly. Just a few days later, on January 3, 1777 the Americans won another major battle at Princeton, which raised the Americans moral to an all time high.
Battle of Saratoga
Great Britain then focused their attack on New York. In October 1777 the two armies confronted each other at Saratoga. After four days of fighting, U.S. militiamen surrounded the English General Burgoyne and the U.S. eventually won the battle. The victory at Saratoga made king Louis XVI finally recognize the newly forming republic and he signed a treaty with the United States pledging full military support. The French support may very well have been the difference between winning and losing the war.
Yorktown: Britain's Final Stand
In Yorktown, Virgin in 1781, the British made their final stand. American and French troops by land, and French ships by sea surrounded General Cornwallis and his army (World Encyclopedia 1980). On October 14, 1781, a group of American troops, led by Colonel Alexander Hamilton, stormed Yorktown and by bayonet alone, broke the British lines. At the same time, the French lead an attack. Just five days later, on October 19, 1781, General Cornwallis surrendered his troops. This marked the last major battle of the American Revolution.
Treaty of Paris + Conclusion
On September 3, 1783, the treaty of Paris was signed. This officially marked the end of the war and the United States independence was formally recognized by Great Britain (World Encyclopedia 1980). The Revolutionary War is considered one of the greatest wars in U.S. history. Not only is it one of the very few wars fought mostly on American soil, it created the free democratic nation of the United States of America.
