Timeline

1775- George Washington assumes command of the army outside Boston.

1776- British evacuate Boston.

1777- British capture Fort Ticonderoga

1778- The U.S. and France becomes allies.

1779- Spain declares war on Great Britain

- British burned Fairfield and Norwalk.

1780- British captured Charlestown, SC.

1781- General Cornwallis officially surrenders at Yorktown, VA.

1782- Washington establishes the Badge of Military Merit, known as the Purple Heart.

1783- Washington addresses the Newburgh conspiracy and discontent in the continental army.