Major Battles During American Revolutionary War

The American Civil War included the outcome of various battles that were fought between 1775 and 1783. The strife in American history concluded with the signing of the Treaty of Paris, but not before a heavy loss of life and property. Some of the major battles that were fought during the American Revolutionary War include:

Battle of Bunker Hill, 1775: After the Boston Tea Party, an event that shook the very roots of British colonization in America, the Americans joined forces from the thirteen colonies and occupied Bunker Hill, terrain that overlooked Boston City, on June 16, 1775. General Gage led the British military against the Americans. Even though the British were victorious, the loss of life and ammunition was huge. Nevertheless, this was just a taste of what was yet to come.

Battle of New York, 1776: In 1776, the British recaptured New York from the Americans. They forced the American army led by George Washington to retreat from Long Island and lower Harlem. It was only on the White Plains that the Americans were able to contain the British forces. However, the outcome was the retreat of the Americans to New Jersey, while New York fell into British hands.

Battle of Bennington, 1777: British commander Burgoyne sent a force, west of the Connecticut River to seize supplies, while Lieutenant Colonel Fredrich Baum headed towards Bennington. John Stark led the American forces and the British battled against the American forces and makeshift fortifications. The result was a bloody battle that claimed many lives and left either side with a number of casualties.

Battle of Monmouth, 1778: When the British withdrew from Philadelphia, General Washington carefully followed them and near the Monmouth Court House attacked the train of supplies. The fight between the British and American forces reinstated strength within the common-man army led by General Washington, when the General single-handedly led his troops.

Battle of Camden, 1780: Horatio Gates commanded a force of 1,400, which was strengthened by patriot troops from North Carolina and Virginia. British General Cornwalis met the American forces at Camden, with 3,000 men. When the Carolina line fell, it resulted in the crumbling of the American forces, who were forced to retreat.

Battle of King Mountain, 1780: British Major Ferguson and his 1,200 militia were stopped by forces from Virginia and South Carolina atop King's Mountain. The wooded hill offered the patriots a better chance to get back at the the militia. However, the defenders and militia fell in large numbers.

Battle of Cowpens, 1781: General Washington selected General Greene as the Commander of the southern forces. Greene split the army an sent General Morgan to western South Carolina to face British menace. Cornwalis responded via Colonel Tarleton and around 1,000 soldiers. Morgan deployed his soldiers in three lines. The wild American cry was met with bayonet attacks. Just as the British dragoons counter attacked the Americans, Washington's cavalry appeared. Morgan turned his militia men toward the battle even as the final line of British troops fought and Tarleton thought that they had won the battle. As Morgan ordered his troops to fire, Americans militia approached from the left. The British were faced by Washington's cavalry from the right and the Battle of Cowpens came down in history as a classic victory.

Battle of Hobkirk's Hill, 1781: Greene led his men along Hobkirk's Hill's pine-covered ridge. Lord Rowden led the British against the Americans. However, fleeing Continental soldiers destroyed the morale and integrity of the defensive line, leading to a British victory.

Battle of Eutaw Springs, 1781: General Greene's army faced that of Colonel Stewart at Eutaw Springs, northwest of Charleston. On September 8th, the American troops advanced, but floundered when plundering the camp. The counter attack forced an early retreat. Nevertheless, by this time the British were weakened in supplies and men.

Battle of Yorktown, 1781: General Cornwalis arrived in Yorktown and prepared a naval base. General Washington joined French forces and surrounded the British army. Another victory for the Americans!

After the Yorktown defeat and the resignation of Prime Minister Lord North in March 1782, the revolutionary war in America came to an end. The Treaty of Paris was signed on 3 September, 1783. It was ratified on January 14, 1784, by the Congress of the Confederation. November 25, 1783 saw the last of the British troops leaving New York City.