The American Revolution

1776-1783

Militias and Minutemen

When the war began, each colony had its own militia, or untrained volunteer soldiers who had other jobs while they werent at war. Minutemen were part of the militia, they were untrained volunteers who could be ready to fight at a minutes notice

Continental Army
In 1775, The Second Continental Congress asked George Washington to lead an Army. American Soldiers became known as the Continental Army.

The British Army

At the time, the British Army was one of the strongest military forces in the world.

They were well trained and highly disciplined. They were also far from home and were hated by colonists.

Armies Compared
The Continental Army
8,000-24,000 soldiers Little Money for Food and Weapons Not well trained Defending their homes Familiar lands and terrains

The British Army

48,000 soldiers and 470 Warships Well paid and well supplied Professionally trained Far from home and unpopular Unfamiliar land and environment

Important Battles

June, 1775

The Battle of Bunker Hill

The British thought that Boston was the main Patriot stronghold and thought that by attacking and holding the city that they could end the war quickly. They didnt know that men across the colonies would fight for independence.

The Battle of Long Island

The British fighting style was a face-to-face flank in which soldiers stood on either side of a field and shot at each other.
In the Battle of Long Island, Washingtons men fought guerilla style, meaning that they hid behind trees in small numbers and retreated quickly after surprise attacks. This style of fighting was rare in this time.

August, 1776

The Battle of Trenton

One night in December, 1776, George Washington led his men in boats across the Delaware River, from Pennsylvania to New Jersey.
They snuck into a camp of hired German mercenaries, or hired soldiers, and defeated them while the celebrated Christmas. This was a key Patriot victory.

December, 1776

The Battle of Saratoga

9,000 British troops tried to enter the colonies from Canada and were thwarted by 2,000 Continental soldiers. The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the war. Since the Continental Army had an official surrender from British troops, the colonists were able to develop strong alliances with France, Spain, and Holland.

September and October 1777

Winning the War

The Treaty of Paris

September, 1783: The war finally ended with the British agreeing to recognize the United State of America as an independent nation.