Battles of the American Revolutionary War (Rank 'Em)

Review the links for each battle. Make a list based on your opinion of importance for colonial victory 1-6 in your COMP notebooks. Write a few sentences (minimum of two) supporting your ranking for each of the six battles. Be able to discuss in class.

Lexington and ConcordBunker (Breeds) Hill

Trenton Saratoga

Valley ForgeYorktown

Battle Strategy/Story Lasting Impact

Lexington and Concord
near Boston, 1775 / Paul Revere informed the people that the Regulars (Redcoats) are coming although arrested along the ride. The word was out and the war had begun. It is at Lexington that the, “Shot heard around the world”, which was the 1st shot of the war takes place. The colonists retreat to Concord to successfully protect the armory. / The militia holds their own and protects weapons and gunpowder at Concord. It is likely that the Sons of Liberty (founding fathers) would have been caught and hung. Possibly ending the conflict before it started.
Bunker (Breeds) Hill
near Boston, 1775 / This battle took place outside of Boston. The British were advancing onto Boston. The militia held their ground although extremely outnumbered. Although British troops suffered twice as many casualties, on their third charge they drove the Americans back and took the hill. The battle was actually fought on Breed’s Hill, which was closer to the British ship’s position than Bunker Hill. / It showed the Americans had a chance. Even if Lexington/Concord was a fluke, Bunker Hill proved it wasn’t. It also proved to many that British wouldn’t stop their attack.
Trenton
Trenton, New Jersey, 1776 / Fighting took place along the Delaware River. It proved the Americans were interested in fighting the Gentleman’s War. The Americans attacked on Christmas morning. The Americans dealt with miserable conditions, starvation, bitter cold, disease, and hunger. / It helps persuade French. It boosts American morale, which had needed a victory.
Saratoga
New York, 1777 / Actually two battles fought by the Continental Army who won decisive victory of the British. / The French decided to join the American cause after this victory.
Valley Forge
Philadelphia,
1777-1778 / Prussian Baron Friedrich von Steubenhelped train the American volunteers into an army. Americans survived harsh winter conditions to defeat a vastly outnumber British redcoats. / This was a huge boost in morale and showed the Continental Army could even compete in the Gentlemen’s War
Yorktown
Virginia, 1781 / George Washington knew Cornwallis would be there. The Continental Army with the French led by Rochambeauoutnumbered the British 20,000 to 9,000. The French also used a blockade and bombardment at the battle from the sea. / This is the last major battle of the war. Peace treaty signed in Paris soon afterwards. Cornwallis is forced to surrender