Highlights of the Revolution
Highlights of the Revolutionary War
"These are the times that try men's souls..."
-Thomas Paine
Washington knew he did not have to win battles to win the war. He just had to keep from being annihilated.
In June, 1775 the Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army and, following the nomination from John Adams, George Washington was appointed its commander-in-chief. Initially encountering defeats, Washington desperately needed a victory to keep American hopes alive.
Trenton
Christmas Day 1776. Trenton was held by Hessians (German troops hired by the British to support their military effort) who had not sent out a patrol due to extreme weather. Washington surprised the Hessians (who were drunk celebrating Christmas) by crossing the Delaware River and launching a full scale attack the next day. Amazingly Washington won without losing a single soldier. The battle was a significant point in the war because it convinced Americans and Congress that victory against professional soldiers was possible. It also demonstrated the character of Washington: his bold ability to climb out of defeat and unite his troops through near-impossible victories.
Rough Moments and Hope
Valley Forge:
A time of harsh testing for Washington and his troops. Nearly starved during the winter of 1777 and 1778.
Saratoga:
An army under American Generals Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates in New York captures over 6,000 British soldiers, including the famous British General John "Gentleman Johnny" Burgoyne.
In the Meantime...
Benjamin Franklin was sent to France to get help in the American cause. His effort succeeds. After the Battle of Saratoga France is convinced that supporting America against Britain is worth their while.
Last Battle of the War: Yorktown 1781
British General Cornwallis had won several battles but had also lost many troops in the process. He moved them to Yorktown to reinforce with British ships. Thinking quickly, Washington moved his troops in to surround the city and cut off any land escape. Then Washington utilized French help by having them position a fleet to keep Cornwallis from escaping or getting his needed reinforcements. Hopelessly surrounded, Cornwallis surrenders.
After hearing about Cornwallis' surrender the British throw in the towel. They were tired of the war and did not want to have to send another army. More importantly, they were fearful of what Europe may do with most of the British military overseas.
Treaty of Paris, 1783
Ended the war and accomplished these things:
(1) American Independence
(2) Withdrawal of British forts on the American frontier (the British never honor this agreement).
(3) Created American boundaries from the Atlantic Ocean west to the Mississippi River.
(4) Limited navigation rights to b shared with the Spanish on the Mississippi River.
(5) Fishing rights off of Newfoundland.