ROAD TO THE UNITED STATES

Common Sense Spreads

Thomas Paine's pamphlet turns colonial resistance into a demand for full independence.

British Evacuate Boston

American artillery on Dorchester Heights forces British troops to abandon Boston.

Congress Votes for Independence

The Continental Congress approves independence two days before the Declaration is adopted.

Declaration of Independence

The colonies formally declare independence, transforming a rebellion into a war for nationhood.

Battle of Long Island

A major British victory pressures Washington's army and opens the New York Campaign.

British Land at Kip's Bay

American lines collapse quickly during the British landing on Manhattan.

Battle of Harlem Heights

A smaller American success helps restore confidence after days of defeats.

Battle of White Plains

British forces continue pressing Washington's army north of Manhattan.

Fall of Fort Washington

British forces capture Fort Washington, dealing Washington's army a severe blow.

Fall of Fort Lee and Retreat

Continental forces retreat across New Jersey as British forces pursue.

Washington Crosses the Delaware

A daring winter crossing sets up the surprise attack at Trenton.

Battle of Trenton

A surprise victory over Hessian forces revives morale at the war's darkest moment.

Battle of Princeton

Washington follows Trenton with another victory, reversing the crisis of late 1776.

Battle of Brandywine

British forces defeat Washington and open the path toward Philadelphia.

British Occupy Philadelphia

The British capture the revolutionary capital, but the rebellion continues.

Battle of Germantown

Washington launches a bold attack near occupied Philadelphia. The effort falls short but impresses allies.

Surrender at Saratoga

A decisive American victory convinces France the cause can succeed.

Valley Forge Encampment

The army endures brutal hardship and emerges more disciplined and cohesive.

Von Steuben Trains the Army

Baron von Steuben systematizes Continental Army drill and discipline.

France Enters the War

France formally allies with the United States, turning the Revolution into a global conflict.

British Evacuate Philadelphia

With France in the war, British strategy shifts and Philadelphia becomes untenable.

Battle of Monmouth

The improved Continental Army fights the British to a standstill during their withdrawal.

Storming of Stony Point

Anthony Wayne leads a daring night assault on a fortified British position.

Fall of Charleston

One of the worst American defeats of the war. Britain captures the South's largest city.

Battle of Camden

Another major British victory deepens the American crisis in the South.

Battle of Kings Mountain

Patriot militia defeat Loyalist forces in a major backcountry victory.

Battle of Cowpens

A brilliant tactical victory turns momentum in the South.

Race to the Dan

Greene maneuvers brilliantly to avoid destruction while exhausting Cornwallis.

Battle of Guilford Courthouse

A costly British victory weakens Cornwallis and sets him on the road to Yorktown.

Battle of the Chesapeake

French naval victory cuts off British relief by sea and makes Yorktown possible.

Siege of Yorktown Begins

American and French forces begin siege operations against Cornwallis.

Assault on the Redoubts

Allied forces capture key British defensive positions, tightening the siege.

British Surrender at Yorktown

Cornwallis's army surrenders, effectively ending major fighting in the Revolution.

Preliminary Peace Articles Signed

Preliminary terms point toward formal British recognition of American independence.

Treaty of Paris

Britain formally recognizes the independence of the United States.

Cessation of Hostilities

Fighting ends, exactly eight years to the day after Lexington and Concord.

British Evacuate New York City

The last major British occupation force leaves American soil.

Washington Resigns His Commission

Washington resigns as commander in chief, cementing civilian authority over the military.