Battles of Lexington and ConcordThere were many decisive battles in the American Revolution. Many of these battles were fought by American colonists who were determined to live in a country where everyone had individual rights and lived without fear of the government.
Some of the most important people who were involved in the military were not specific individuals, but two very important military groups. The minutemen were American farmers who fought in the American Revolution. They were called minutemen because they were always ready to fight at a minute's notice. The redcoats were English soldiers who were named for the bright colors of their uniforms.
The first battles of the American Revolution were the battles of Lexington and Concord. The militia, made of heroic Americans, fought bravely against the English troops in these important battles. Click on the link below to watch a video on the Battles at Lexington and Concord.
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Probably the most famous American military leader is The portrait below is of George Washington, the first president of the United States. You may be more familiar with George Washington as the first president, but he played a major role in the American Revolution before he was president.
Source:
Gilbert Stuart, Wikimedia Commons
When the Second Continental Congress met in 1775, Washington was elected commander in chief of the Continental Army. He was a successful commander who fought bravely against the British troops. He drove the British out of Boston in 1776, but was defeated and almost captured at New York City. On July 3, 1775, Washington took command of his troops and began a war that lasted six years. In 1781, he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. The picture below depicts Washington and his troops crossing the Delaware River just before the Battle of Trenton. After spending a harsh winter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, in 1777-1778, Washington led his troops against the British in battles in Philadelphia, New York, and New Jersey.
Source: Washington crossing the Delaware: on the evening of Dec 25th. 1776, previous to the battle of Trenton, John Cameron, Library of Congress
There were other military leaders who played important roles in the American Revolution. One of those leaders was who was a French hero of the American Revolution. When the war broke out in America, Marquis de Lafayette asked King Louis XVI for permission to go to America to fight against France's rival, England, and to help the Americans. The king refused his request, but Marquis de Lafayette used his own money and went to America anyway.
Source: Gilbert du Motier Marquis de Lafayette, Matiasrex, Wikipedia
He was named an honorary Major General by the Continental Congress. Initially he was an aide to Washington, but after proving his military skill, he was put in command of American troops. While defending Virginia in 1781, he helped trap English Commander Cornwallis.
Source: Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge, John Ward Dunsmore, Library of Congress
Source: First Marquis de Cornwallis, Wikimedia
There were also important military leaders who fought for the English. Charles Cornwallis was an English general who led his troops against the Continental Army. In 1781, Cornwallis was forced to surrender to American and French troops at Yorktown. This was the last major battle of the American Revolution.
Source: Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, Davepape, Wikipedia