Portal:United States National Park Service

“ World at War
By 1779 the war had spread across the globe. In spring Spain entered the war as an ally of France and soon declared war on Great Britain. As the year closed, the Continental Army entered into winter camp at Morristown, New Jersey, where they would endure fiercer weather conditions and subsist on fewer supplies than they had at Valley Forge. ”

“ New York City is now in British hands.
December 19
Thomas Paine publishes The Crisis, which helps rekindle the fires of liberty during the darkest hour of the Revolution.
December 25
With army enlistment about to expire at year’s end, Washington must act. Continental Army begins daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware River.
December 26
Washington’s victory over the Hessians at Trenton, New Jersey, gives new life to the cause. In the coming year, Congress and Washington build an army for the war based on longterm enlistment. ”

“ A worsening economy, military disaster in the South, and treason, all undermined the war effort in 1780. Two South Carolina defeats: the capture of Charleston and its large American garrison, and subsequent loss at Camden, made the patriot situation in the South extremely tenuous. Benedict Arnold’s treasonous attempt to hand over the plans to Fort West Point, New York, added insult to injury.
March 14
Spanish take British-held post at Mobile (Alabama) . ”

“ European recognition, assistance, and military professionalism came to America in 1778. By February American diplomatic efforts and military achievements yielded an alliance with France. At the Battle of Monmouth, New Jersey, in June, the Americans claimed victory over their opponent. In November the army set up their winter quarters with business-like efficiency at Middlebrook, New Jersey. ”

“ Early Americans had made the risky Atlantic crossing seeking a better life, adventure, religious freedom and political autonomy. They built a society in the New World and for generations ran it with little outside meddling. ”

“ On the eve of the Revolution the patriots succeeded in organizing a home defense; militias stood mobilized and ready. Fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19. At the Battle of Bunker Hill in June, the patriots lost, but learned that they could stand against British regulars. Soon after, George Washington assumed command of the newly created Continental Army. ”

“ Washington bids farewell to his officers at Fraunces’ Tavern in New York City.
December 23
Washington resigns his commission before the Continental Congress in Annapolis, Maryland.
Legacy
On a personal level the Revolutionary War produced a mixed legacy of positive and negative consequences. On the patriot side, the cost of founding an independent republic was high. Approximately 25,000 sacrificed their lives, and many forfeited their livelihood. The success of the Revolution brought scorn to those loyal to the Crown, and most of them lost fortunes and homes. ”

“ On the seas, British, French, and Spanish navies continued to battle for supremacy. In America, warfare threatened security on the frontier and in the South. By November, however, Britain and the United States signed a draft peace agreement. ”

“ Continental Army returns to Hudson Highlands and New Jersey for its seventh winter encampment.
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work of the United States federal government (see 17 U.S.C. 105) . ”

“ After the French and Indian War, Britain initiated policies aimed at bringing the colonists under closer control. Tensions grew. Many Americans stood firm in their belief that the King had suspended their natural rights. Increasingly, resistance leaders banded together. ”

“ British commanded by William Howe defeat Washington’s outnumbered army at the Battle of Long Island, New York. Americans evacuate to Manhattan.
September
Congress appoints Arthur Lee and Benjamin Franklin to assist Deane in diplomatic mission to France.
September 12
Washington evacuates New York City.
September 16
Americans hold off British at the Battle of Harlem Heights, New York. ”

“ British land at Head of Elk (Chesapeake Bay) , Maryland, and begin campaign to capture Philadelphia.
September 2
Zealous Pennsylvania government arrests prominent Philadelphia Quakers for not supporting patriot causes and sends them into exile in Virginia.
September 11
Washington gives ground after losing hard-fought Battle of Brandywine, Pennsylvania. ”

“ British soldiers arrive in Boston to enforce compliance with new regulations.
March 5, 1770
“Boston Massacre.” King's troops kill five civilians before British back off and troops leave Boston. All Townshend duties removed except for tax on tea. ”

“ After struggle with patriot forces along the Carolina and Georgia frontiers, Cherokee give up land in western North Carolina.
July 27
Marquis de Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia to volunteer for the American cause. ”

“ Patriots defeat a loyalist force at Battle of Moores Creek Bridge near Wilmington, North Carolina.
March 2
Americans fortify Dorchester Heights, Massachusetts, using cannon brought from Fort Ticonderoga by artillery chief, Henry Knox. ”