Timeline
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1779
The British Attack in North and South. Fighting continued in both the northern and southern states. In the frontier settlements of Pennsylvania, Loyalists and Indians led by Mohawk Joseph Brant attacked American settlers. The Loyalists soon were defeated, and Americans went on to destroy many Native American villages whose residents were fighting on the side of the British.
Spain Joins the War. Spain asked Britain for Gibraltar as a reward for joining the war on the British side. When Britain refused, Spain joined with France in its war against Britain, although refusing to recognize American independence.
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1780
The British Take Charleston, South Carolina. After a brief fight, the British took Charleston, capturing 5,400 men and four American ships in the harbor. It was the worst American defeat of the war.
A Mutiny in the Continental Army. When the value of Continental currency sank to a new low, Congress had problems supplying the American army. Great shortages of food led to a short-lived mutiny among some Connecticut soldiers at Washington's camp in New Jersey.
The Treason of Benedict Arnold. American General Benedict Arnold, frustrated and ambitious, began dealing with British General Sir Henry Clinton. After he was promised the command at West Point by General Washington, Arnold told Clinton that he would give the strategic American fortification to the British. But when British Major John André, acting as messenger, was captured, Arnold fled to a British ship, revealing his involvement in the treasonous plan. André was executed as a spy, and Arnold was made a brigadier general in the British army.
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1781
Congress Creates a Department of Finance. American finances were in such dire straits that Congress saw the need for a separate department of finance. Robert Morris was appointed superintendent of finance.
See Also1776YorktownTreaty of Paris (1783)American Revolution History & Time of the Revolutionary WarThe Articles of Confederation Are Ratified. With the ratification of the Articles of Confederation, under discussion since 1777, Congress assumed a new title, "The United States in Congress Assembled."
The Battle of Yorktown. French and American forces joined at Yorktown, on land and at sea, and attacked British fortifications. Key British points were soon held by the Americans and French, and British General Cornwallis soon surrendered, giving up almost 8,000 men. With this defeat, Britain lost hope of winning the war in America.
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1782
Peace Negotiations Begin in Paris. British, French, and American commissioners met in Paris to discuss peace. The United States sent Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay. By November, the commissioners had drafted a peace treaty. Its terms called for Great Britain to recognize American independence and provide for the evacuation of all British troops. Great Britain also gave up its territory between the Mississippi River and the Allegheny Mountains, doubling the size of the new nation.
As an enthusiast and historian deeply versed in the American Revolutionary War, my expertise is grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the events, key figures, and intricacies that shaped this pivotal period in history. My knowledge extends beyond the basic chronology, delving into the nuanced details and interconnected dynamics that unfolded during this transformative era.
The American Revolutionary War, spanning from 1775 to 1783, was a complex conflict marked by significant events that ultimately led to the birth of the United States. The timeline you provided encapsulates crucial moments in this struggle for independence, offering insights into the challenges faced by both American and British forces, the involvement of other nations such as Spain and France, and the diplomatic maneuvers that shaped the outcome.
Let's break down the key concepts highlighted in the timeline:
1779:
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British Attacks in North and South:
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The British engaged in military operations in both northern and southern states, highlighting the scope and intensity of the conflict.
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Frontier settlements in Pennsylvania witnessed attacks by Loyalists and Indians led by Mohawk Joseph Brant against American settlers.
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Spain Joins the War:
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Spain sought Gibraltar from Britain as a reward for siding with the British but eventually joined France in the war against Britain.
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Spain's decision reflected the complex geopolitical dynamics of the time.
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1780:
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British Take Charleston, South Carolina:
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The British captured Charleston, securing a significant victory and dealing a severe blow to the American forces.
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The capture included thousands of American soldiers and naval assets.
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Mutiny in the Continental Army:
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Economic challenges, symbolized by the depreciation of Continental currency, led to shortages and a mutiny among Connecticut soldiers.
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The incident underscored the financial strains on the Continental Army.
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Treason of Benedict Arnold:
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General Benedict Arnold's betrayal, motivated by frustration and ambition, involved plotting with the British to surrender West Point.
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The exposure of Arnold's treason and the execution of British Major John André had far-reaching consequences.
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1781:
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Congress Creates a Department of Finance:
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The dire financial situation prompted Congress to establish a separate Department of Finance, appointing Robert Morris to address economic challenges.
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Articles of Confederation Are Ratified:
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The ratification marked a formal consolidation of the United States under the Articles of Confederation.
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The new political entity faced the challenges of governance.
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Battle of Yorktown:
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The collaboration between French and American forces at Yorktown led to a decisive victory against the British.
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General Cornwallis's surrender was a turning point, signaling a loss of British hope in winning the war.
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1782:
- Peace Negotiations Begin in Paris:
- Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay represented the United States in peace talks in Paris.
- The resulting peace treaty outlined terms such as British recognition of American independence and the evacuation of British troops.
These events collectively shaped the trajectory of the American Revolutionary War, illustrating the multifaceted nature of the conflict and the strategic decisions that influenced its outcome. The timeline provides a snapshot of a crucial period in history, showcasing the resilience and determination of the American colonies in their quest for independence.
