American Revolutionary War: Key Events and Timeline

Background

• Initial lack of a formal American army; reliance on colonial militias like the Minutemen of Massachusetts.
• Continental Army created post-Lexington and Concord (1775), led by George Washington.
• British advantages: professional military and the largest navy.
• American strategy: prolong the war to outlast British resolve.

Key Events Timeline

1775

• April: British forces march to Lexington and Concord, met by Minutemen, leading to the siege of Boston.
• Ethan Allen captures Fort Ticonderoga, seizing important artillery.
• June: Battle of Bunker Hill; British win but suffer heavy casualties, proving American resilience.
• July: Continental Army officially formed, George Washington takes command.

1776

• March: Henry Knox transports cannons from Fort Ticonderoga, aiding in the liberation of Boston.
• September: British capture New York City; Washington retreats but avoids capture.
• December 26: Washington's surprise attack at Trenton boosts morale.

1777

• October: Battle of Saratoga—American victory prevents British control of Hudson River, leads to French alliance.
• December: Harsh winter at Valley Forge; Washington's army trained by Baron von Steuben.

1781

• October: Siege of Yorktown; British under Cornwallis surrender due to American land siege and French naval blockade.

Conclusion

• September 3, 1783: Treaty of Paris signed, Great Britain recognizes American independence.
• After eight years, the United States emerges as an independent nation.