Student Article

From the first shots fired at Lexington and Concord to the final surrender at Yorktown, here are the key battles that determined the future of the American colonies.

Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)

The American Revolutionary War began with a confrontation at Lexington and Concord, sparked by a British attempt to seize patriot weapons. As rumors spread about the British plan, militias were quickly formed and mobilized. When British forces marched to Concord, they encountered Patriots at Lexington Green. The first shot fired (whose origin remains debated) ignited the battle. After a brief clash, the British continued to Concord, only to face a stronger resistance and a humiliating retreat back to Boston.

Siege of Boston (April 19, 1775–March 17, 1776)

After Lexington and Concord, the patriots laid siege to British-occupied Boston. The siege lasted nearly a year, with occasional skirmishes. The arrival of George Washington in July 1775 provided new leadership and organization to the Continental Army. In March 1776, Washington’s forces used cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to force the British to evacuate, ending their hold on the city.

Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775)

Though the British won Bunker Hill, it came at a great cost. The patriots fought fiercely to defend the heights surrounding Boston, even running out of ammunition and engaging in hand-to-hand combat. Despite their losses, the British were shaken by the intense resistance, making it clear that the war was far from over.

Battle of Brooklyn (August 27, 1776)

The Battle of Brooklyn, the largest of the war, saw the British defeat the patriots and maintain control of New York. Washington’s forces were overwhelmed as the British attacked from both Brooklyn and Manhattan. In a daring move, Washington managed a nighttime retreat, avoiding capture and preserving his army.

Battles of Trenton and Princeton (December 26, 1776 and January 3, 1777)

In the winter of 1776, after several defeats, Washington’s army staged two victories that revived their morale. On Christmas night, Washington led a surprise attack against a garrison of Hessians in Trenton, followed by another victory at Princeton a week later. These triumphs solidified Washington’s leadership and gave hope to the patriots.

Battle of Saratoga (September 19–October 17, 1777)

Saratoga was a turning point in the war. British General Burgoyne’s plan to isolate New England was thwarted by the Continental Army under General Gates. After fierce fighting, Burgoyne’s forces were surrounded, leading to their surrender. This victory convinced France to officially ally with the United States.

Battle of Monmouth (June 28, 1778)

The Battle of Monmouth was a standoff, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Washington’s troops, after undergoing rigorous training, fought fiercely. However, General Charles Lee’s indecision nearly led to disaster. After Lee was removed from command, the battle ended in a stalemate, but it proved that the Continental Army was a formidable force.

Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781)

In the South, the British tried to gain support from loyalists. However, Brigadier General Morgan’s victory at Cowpens decimated British forces. Using clever tactics, Morgan’s army tricked the British into a devastating defeat, setting the stage for the final victory at Yorktown.

Battle of Saratoga (September 19–October 17, 1777)

The final battle of the war took place in Yorktown. With French naval support, Washington and his allies surrounded General Cornwallis’s forces, cutting off their escape route. After heavy bombardment and an unsuccessful evacuation attempt, Cornwallis surrendered, marking the end of major combat. The surrender at Yorktown set the stage for peace negotiations, though it would take two more years for a formal treaty to be signed.