American Revolution Turning Point

The American Revolution Era, which ran from 1763-1789, was a radical, inspiring fight for freedom. Although the main two sides of the war were imperialist mother country Britain and the thirteen colonies she established in North America, several major world powers were involved as well. The Brit’s main ally was Germany, and the British force recruited “soldiers-for-hire,” called Hessians, who were paid to fight against the colonists and their allies. The colonies received passive aid from the Netherlands, in the form of financial support. They were also aided by Spain, who likely joined forces with the colonies to get revenge for the Seven Years War. However, the colonies main ally was France, who supported them both financially and with …show more content…
In 1775, Massachusetts was declared to be in a “state of rebellion,” (Morris 2018). Patriots there had begun assembling militia and gathering supplies. British General Gage is ordered to arrest leaders and take supplies. This is when Paul Revere makes his famous, however mostly unsuccessful ride, and General Gage sends 700 men to Lexington to stop the Patriots from assembling. Shots break out, and the British are eventually forced to retreat. The colonies are a force to be reckoned with, war has begun, and as King George said: “Blows will decide,” (qtd by Morris 2018). After Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress was held on May 10, 1775. It was at the Second Continental that congress developed a navy and marine corps and sent out diplomats to negotiate treaties and alliances. It was also at this time that George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the military.Another turning point was on July 4, 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was signed. This document is essential to the American Revolution for two major reasons. First, it completely severed colonial ties with Britain. Second, it gave the colonies a huge war advantage- a strong, dedicated ally, France. Although there was already talk of a colonial-French alliance, it was only until after the colonies were severed from Britain and completely independent that they could become formal allies. Although the French had their own best interest in mind, and not the colonies, they provided immense assistance and were influential in the eventual colonial victory. In winter of 1776, the Battles of Trenton and Princeton occured, and Patriots were victorious in both. It was during to the Battle of Trenton that Washington made his famous march across the Delaware river and overtook 1,200 Hessians led by General Cornwallis. These victories boosted the morale of colonists and encouraged