Early Modern
Articles of Confederation (1777): America's First Constitution
The United States' first written framework of government, in force from 1781 until it was replaced by the US Constitution in 1789.
Region
Americas
Early Modern
Valley Forge (1777–1778): The Continental Army's Hard Winter
The army survived severe shortages and disease, losing around 1,700–2,000 men, and emerged better trained and organised in June 1778.
Early Modern
Battles of Saratoga (1777): Turning Point of the Revolution
American victory: Burgoyne surrendered some 5,800 men on 17 October 1777, and France entered the war as an ally of the United States.
Early Modern
Franco-American Alliance (1778): France Joins the Revolution
France recognised American independence and became a military ally, entering the war against Britain in 1778.
Early Modern
Battle of Monmouth (1778): Molly Pitcher and the Hot Summer Fight
Inconclusive: the Americans held the field after a day of fighting, while the British continued their march to New York.
Early Modern
Siege of Charleston (1780): America's Worst Defeat of the War
British victory; Lincoln surrendered the city and some 5,000 soldiers and militia, the largest American surrender of the Revolutionary War.
Early Modern
Battle of Kings Mountain (1780): Patriot Militia Turn the South
Patriot victory; Ferguson was killed and almost his entire Loyalist force was killed, wounded or captured, halting Cornwallis's first invasion of North Carolina.
Early Modern
Benedict Arnold's Treason (1780): Plot to Surrender West Point
The plot was discovered before West Point could be surrendered; Arnold escaped to the British and André was hanged as a spy.
Early Modern
Rebellion of Túpac Amaru II (1780–1781): Andean Uprising in Peru
The uprising was crushed and its leaders executed, but it forced Spain to abolish the hated forced-sale system and reorganise colonial government in the Andes.
Early Modern
Battle of Cowpens (1781): Morgan's Victory over Tarleton
Decisive American victory; Tarleton's force was destroyed, weakening Cornwallis's army before the campaign in North Carolina.
Early Modern
Siege of Yorktown (1781): Cornwallis Surrenders to Washington
Decisive Franco-American victory; Cornwallis surrendered his army of some 8,000 men, leading Britain to open peace negotiations and effectively ending major fighting in the American Revolutionary War.
Early Modern
Treaty of Paris (1783): Britain Recognises American Independence
Great Britain recognised the independence of the United States and agreed generous boundaries reaching to the Mississippi River.