SSUSH4

Battle of Yorktown

Last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Cornwallis and his troops were trapped in the Chesapeake Bay by the French fleet. He was sandwiched between the French navy and the American army. He surrendered October 19, 1781.

Lord Cornwallis

the British general who commanded trooops from Charleston, South Carolina. He surrendered his entire army to George Washington after the battle of Yorktown

French Alliance

1778 the french formed an alliance with america. the french promised the colonists independence and supplies, and gave the U.S. commercial privileges in french ports to avenge the british for the french defeat in the french and indian war. in return, the us promised to continue fighting until france was ready for peace

Valley Forge

Place where Washington's army spent the winter of 1777-1778, a 4th of troops died here from disease and malnutriton, Steuben comes and trains troops

Benjamin Franklin

Printer, author, inventor, diplomat, statesman, and Founding Father. One of the few Americans who was highly respected in Europe, primarily due to his discoveries in the field of electricity.

The Battle of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga secured a critical French alliance for the Americans during the American Revolution, providing monetary and military support to outlast the British. Fought eighteen days apart in the fall of 1777, the two Battles of Saratoga were a turning point in the the American Revolution. On September 19th, British General John Burgoyne achieved a small, but costly victory over American forces led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. Though his troop strength had been weakened, Burgoyne again attacked the Americans at Bemis Heights on October 7th, but this time was defeated and forced to retreat. He surrendered ten days later, and the American victory convinced the French government to formally recognize the colonist's cause and enter the war as their ally.

Treaty of Paris,1783

This treaty ended the Revolutionary War, recognized the independence of the American colonies, and granted the colonies the territory from the southern border of Canada to the northern border of Florida, and from the Atlantic coast to the Mississippi River

George Washington

Virginian, patriot, general, and president. Lived at Mount Vernon. Led the Revolutionary Army in the fight for independence. First President of the United States. The Continental Congress commissioned George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775. Washington was selected over other candidates such as John Hancock based on his previous military experience and the hope that a leader from Virginia could help unite the colonies.

Crossing the Delaware/ Trenton

Washington lead American troops to attack Hessian camp at Trenton and British camp at Princeton by first crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas night. Boosted moral for the army and convinced members of the army to re-enlist. General George Washington's commitment to cross the Delaware River on Christmas 1776 foreshadowed the many hardships faced as well as the eventual victory of the Continental Army during the American Revolution. At first glance, the decision to transport 2,400 Continental soldiers across an icy river in one night, directly into a severe winter storm of sleet and snow seems irrational. The victory was not particularly significant from a strategic point of view, but news of Washington's initiative raised the spirits of the American colonists, who previously feared that the Continental Army was incapable of victory.

Marquis de Lafayette

Young patriot from France who became George Washington's aide durng the Revolution. Gave money to the colonial cause and became like a son to George Washington. Importance Marquis de Lafayette was a French general who played an important part during the Revolutionary War.He helped the colonists against the British.He volunteered his time and money to help the Americans.He was able to help the Americans win the war and was treated as a hero. After Rev. War Marquis returned to France and was part of the French government. He returned to the French army in 1782 and was considered a hero because of his work in other wars. He was known as "The hero of two Worlds". The United States rewarded him with money and land for all of his help. Last Years Last Years Lafayette died in Paris on May 20, 1834. He became a symbol of the friendship between France and the United States. He is known for being brave and willing to help others. Even thou he lived so many years ago he is still famous for helping the United States gain its independence.