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The Nine Battles That Forged the United States: Key Clashes of the American Revolutionary War

Originally Published in  HistoryExtra

From the opening shots at Lexington and Concord to the decisive surrender at Yorktown, explore the pivotal battles that shaped America's fight for independence.

The article "The Nine Battles That Forged the United States: Key Clashes of the American Revolutionary War" from BBC's HistoryExtra chronicles nine critical battles that defined the American Revolutionary War. Beginning with the confrontations at Lexington and Concord in 1775 and ending with the British surrender at Yorktown in 1781, the piece highlights how each engagement influenced the course of the war and contributed to the eventual establishment of the United States.​
Student Article Info

BBC's HistoryExtra is devoted to both British and world history and aimed at readers of all levels of knowledge and interest. Learn more about subscriptions here.

Grades:
6-89-12
Subject:
Social Studies
Topic:
History
Keywords
Lexington and ConcordBunker HillSaratogaYorktownGeorge Washington​
Illustration of the Battle of Bunker Hill
© Getty

Most passages are available in three different versions: Level 1 (Grade 3-5), Level 2 (Grade 6-8), and Level 3 (Grade 9-12). Some more complex texts are available only in Level 2 and Level 3. Use the versions that are most appropriate for the students in your class.

Note: The BBC Learning Hub Editorial Team made use of AI tools to create multiple versions of this article, each tailored to different student reading levels. Every version undergoes a thorough review by our BBC Learning editors to ensure accuracy, quality, and appropriateness.

2
Level 2 Reading Passage
Grades: 6-8Lexile Level: 800L–1050L
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3
Level 3 Reading Passage
Grades: 9-12Lexile Level: 1000L–1300L
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