The American Revolutionary War was a major eight year conflict that ultimately led to the birth of our nation, the United States of America. It lasted from 1775-1783 and had about 165 battles. What sparked the American Revolutionary War was the colonial resistance to British efforts to impose more control over the colonies. The colonies were allied with France and Spain during this war, against Britain and Germany. Between 25,000-70,000 Americans were killed during this war in military service, sacrificing their lives fighting for their rights. George Washington led the U.S. in the Revolutionary War, while Charles Cornwallis led Britain. …show more content…
This battle was considered the first major battle of the Revolutionary War. America’s General William Prescott led 1000 minutes (History.com) and Britain’s main commander, General Thomas Gage, led about 2,400 minutes (PBS). This battle was located across the Charles River from Boston. The Battle of Bunker Hill only lasted 2 hours, yet it was one of the bloodiest battles. This battle resulted in an American defeat, but Britain’s victory wasn’t easy. Out of Britain's 2,400 men, 1,000 of them were killed or wounded, which is about 40% of their troops. (PBS) Although this battle was the colonies first major defeat, it predicted the character and outcome of the rest of the …show more content…
Hessian troops were led by Colonel Johann Rall, leading 1,400 troops, while Washington was leading the colonies 2,400 troops (History.com). Colonel Rall had initially received warnings of Washington's attack, but his men were exhausted and unprepared for the attacks (History.com). George Washington divided his troops under Generals Nathaniel Greene and John Sullivan. Johann Rall tried to rally his troops but failed to do so and wasn’t able to create a defensive perimeter with his troops. Johann Rall was shot off his horse and fatally wounded in the Battle of Trenton, and afterward, the Hessians quickly surrendered. “22 Hessians were killed, 92 were wounded, 918 were captured, and 400 escaped” in the Battle of Trenton, while the colonies only suffered “two deaths and only five injured” (History.com). “Surprisingly, at that point, Howe ordered his army into winter quarters rather than attacking the Americans. Seizing the opportunity Howe presented him, Washington counterattacked at Trenton in late December 1776” (Library of Congress). In this quote, it shows Washington strategizing and taking this opportunity to attack and win this battle. This battle was a major morale booster for the colonies and Washington, and the win put a lot of confidence in Washington and his