choose your side

How is it that the inexperienced, poorly trained fighting forces of the thirteen independent colonies were able to defeat the world’s greatest, land and sea, military power in the Revolutionary War?

To answer this question, you must first choose a side of the conflict. Would you like to take command of the British powerhouse or the colonial underdogs? To undertake this mission, click on the picture of the general that you have chosen. You will begin your command with a short intelligence briefing to catch you up on the local events.

General Gage

General Washington

You have stepped back in time. It’s April 18, 1775, the eve before the first unofficial battle of the Revolutionary War. Congratulations, General Gage has just appointed you to lead the British militia in getting control and disciplining the unruly and rebellious colonists.

As you navigate your way through the battles below, consider the intelligence gathered about the current situation to help you make a decision about whether to attack those rascally colonists; or regroup, plan and save your forces for another skirmish. Weigh your options carefully.

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord

Battle of Bunker Hill

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Yorktown

Second, record the decisions you make and the actual results from each battle on the worksheet provided. Good luck getting those unruly colonists under control.

After the final battle, you will need to analyze the pre-battle intelligence learned, your recorded choices and the results of the actual battles. Use this information to write a supported essay explaining how the colonists were able to win this war.

You have stepped back in time. It’s April 18, 1775, the eve before the first unofficial battle of the Revolutionary War. Congratulations, the Continental Congress has appointed you to lead the colonial troops in defending our land and overthrowing the British militia to gain the independence to live as you feel.

As you navigate your way through the battles below, think carefully about the intelligence you gathered from colonial spies about the British movements. Use it to help you make a decision about whether to attack the Redcoats; or regroup, plan and save your munitions for another skirmish. Weigh your options carefully.

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord


Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Yorktown

Second, record the decisions you make and the actual results from each battle on the worksheet provided. Good luck ousting those Redcoats from the colonies.

After the final battle, you will need to analyze the pre-battle intelligence learned, your recorded choices and the results of the actual battles. Use this information to write a supported essay explaining how the colonists were able to win this war

Lexington, Massachusetts

attack

regroup

April 19, 1775

General Gage has been cautious in provoking the American rebels. However, he has received intelligence insinuating that two of the patriot leaders, John Hancock and Sam Adams, are hiding in the quiet town of Lexington. It is your duty, as general, to find and apprehend these troublemakers and thus end the trouble brewing in this most rebellious of the colonies. What will you do?

Lexington, Massachusetts

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regroup

April 19, 1775

You have received word from patriots that the British troops have gathered and planning an attack on Lexington. Your minutemen are prepared and waiting for a signal. What will you do?

What really happened in Lexington?

Your decision was similar to that of General Gage who led his troops, through the night, to Lexington. He was hoping to surprise the patriots and put a quick end to the rebellion.

Battle of Concord


Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Unfortunately, colonial spies were tracking the advancing army. They alarmed Adams and Hancock of the impending clash. Seventy armed militia, led by colonist Captain John Parker, met the British soldiers on the village green at dawn.

A shot rang out and the British began firing. No one knows to this day who fired the first shot but eight Americans were killed and ten were wounded.

You chose to play it safe and wait for more information. However, in history, General Gage advanced his troops, through the night, to Lexington, hoping to surprise the patriots and put a quick end to the rebellion.


Battle of Concord


Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Unfortunately, colonial spies were tracking the advancing army. They alarmed Adams and Hancock of the impending clash. Seventy armed militia, led by colonist Captain John Parker, met the British soldiers on the village green at dawn.


Your decision was similar to that of Captain Parker who chose to stand his ground and fight if necessary.


Battle of Concord


Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Riders arrived in Lexington just after midnight and delivered the news of the British troop movement. This enabled Captain Parker to gather his troops. Seventy armed minutemen were waiting for the British, on the village green, when they arrived at dawn.



Your decision to wait was not the one that Captain Parker made on April 19, 1775. On that fateful day, he chose to stand his ground and fight if necessary.

Battle of Concord


Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Riders arrived in Lexington just after midnight and delivered the news of the British troop movement. This enabled Captain Parker to gather his troops and wait for the British on the village green when they arrived at dawn.


Concord, Massachusetts

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regroup

April 19, 1775

When General Gage sent you out, he had two outcomes in mind, one in Lexington and the other in the nearby city of Concord. In Concord, the patriots are known to have an arsenal of gunpowder. General Gage wants this taken care of. What will you do?

attack

regroup

April 19, 1775

Concord, Massachusetts

Patriot riders have just come through town announcing that General Gage’s troops have marched through Lexington and are on their way to Concord. They are after the arsenal of gunpowder. What will you do?

What really happened in Concord?


Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

General Gage indeed continued his troops marching towards Concord, believing he could end the rebellion with a show of force and crushing the center of the resistance.

As the British troops tried to cross the North Bridge leading out of Concord, the colonists used guerilla tactics learned from the Native Americans to fight the British troops. The British troops had no choice but to retreat back to Boston. The final results listed 73 Redcoats dead, 174 wounded and 26 missing while only 49 Americans were dead, 41 wounded and 5 missing. This victory lifted the patriots spirits leaving them optimistic in their endeavors.

On April 19, 1775, due to the determination of the patriots who rode to warn the minutemen, 4,000 soldiers in Concord were waiting for the British troops to arrive. Unfortunately for General Gage, the patriots had a strategic leader on their side. Instead of meeting the troops out in the open, they stayed hidden amongst the rocks and trees along the road from Concord back through Lexington.



Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

It is always good to stop and think, and in this case, some slight hesitation might have saved the British militia a great many lives.


On April 19, 1775, due to the determination of the patriots who rode to warn the minutemen, 4,000 soldiers in Concord were waiting for the British troops to arrive. Unfortunately for General Gage, the patriots had a strategic leader on their side. Instead of meeting the troops out in the open, they stayed hidden amongst the rocks and trees along the road from Concord back through Lexington.



Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Meeting the British militia was exactly what the Continental Army did. In great part, it was the determination of the patriots who rode to warn the minutemen that saved the day. Four thousand soldiers were ready and waiting for the British troops to arrive. Fortunately, they had a strategic leader on their side. Instead of meeting the troops out in the open, they stayed hidden amongst the rocks and trees along the road from Concord back through Lexington.




Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

It is always good to stop and think, but in this case, hesitation might have cost the patriots one of their few early victories.


On April 19, 1775, due to the determination of the patriots who rode to warn the minutemen, 4,000 soldiers in Concord were waiting for the British troops to arrive. Fortunately, they had a strategic leader on their side. Instead of meeting the troops out in the open, they stayed hidden amongst the rocks and trees along the road from Concord back through Lexington.

Bunker Hill, Massachusetts

attack

regroup

June 17, 1775

British troops set up in Boston have heard rumors about patriot activities on Breed’s Hill overlooking the city. General Clinton advises you to launch an immense attack on the Americans position on Breed’s Hill at dawn. General Gage believes these reports are exaggerated and wants to wait for daylight. What will you do?

Bunker Hill, Massachusetts

attack

regroup

June 17, 1775

Patriots have been arriving on Breed’s Hill overlooking the city of Boston where the British militia is headquartered. Intelligence has informed you that General Gage is still determined to show the rebels his force to deter other colonies from joining in the rebellion. He has plans to attack your position on Breed’s Hill. What will you do?

What really happened at Bunker Hill?

American troops are dug in along the high ground of Breed's Hill. 2,000 British soldiers who stormed up the hill to meet General Prescott’s 1,000 patriots. The Americans were ordered not to fire until they could see "the whites of their eyes,” to keep from wasting low reserves of ammunition. The Americans let loose a deadly volley of rifle fire and halted the British advance, twice. However, a third attack succeeded as the Americans ran out of ammunition.

You may have been wiser than General Gage who waited until daylight only to discover that the noises he had heard in the night were indeed patriot reinforcements who were now in good position on Breed’s Hill. Breed’s Hill was the actual location of this battle. Bunker Hill, which was located close to Breed’s Hill, was inaccurately recorded as the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

continue for more facts

The British succeed in taking the hill, but at a loss of half their force, over a thousand casualties, More than 1,000 British soldiers end up dead or wounded while the Americans lost only about 400, but this did include an important colonial leader, General Joseph Warren.

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord

The patriots show that they are not intimidated by the huge numbers of red-coated soldiers. Gen. William Howe was sent to replace the ineffective General Gage, as commander of the British forces. General Washington arrived at Cambridge and formally took charge of the Colonial Army and began a rigorous program to discipline the Americans.

What really happened at Bunker Hill? continued



You like General Gage, who waited until daylight only to discover that the noises he had heard in the night were indeed patriot reinforcements who were now in good position on Breed’s Hill, might have made a costly decision in hesitating. Breed’s Hill was the actual location of this battle. Bunker Hill, which was located close to Breed’s Hill, was inaccurately recorded as the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War.



Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord


What really happened at Bunker Hill? continued




You may have been a little quick on this one. Patriot reinforcements arrived overnight and you were in good position on Breed’s Hill. General Prescott ordered for General Putnam to fortify Bunker Hill as well. The troops were order to wait until fired upon, not attack, so they could reserve the ammunition they had. Breed’s Hill was the actual location of this battle. Bunker Hill, which was located close to Breed’s Hill, was inaccurately recorded as the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War.

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown



What really happened at Bunker Hill?continued




Good call. Patriot reinforcements arrived overnight and you were in good position on Breed’s Hill. General Prescott ordered for General Putnam to fortify Bunker Hill as well. The troops were order to wait until fired upon, not attack so they could reserve the ammunition they had. Breed’s Hill was the actual location of this battle. Bunker Hill, which was located close to Breed’s Hill, was inaccurately recorded as the site of the first battle of the Revolutionary War.



What really happened at Bunker Hill?continued

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

attack

regroup

December 26. 1776

Trenton,New Jersey

The Hessian forces hired to fight for the British government are protecting Trenton, New Jersey, which is located just outside of New York where the British militia are headquartered.

Cornwallis is headed to Trenton with 6,000 troops. The plan is to cross the Delaware and attack Washington’s troops while they have nowhere to run, but it is late and the weather is bad. What will you do?

attack

regroup

The British have begun assembling one of the largest naval and military forces you have ever seen in North America in New York. The front lines of the British were occupied by Hessians troops who held positions along the Delaware River opposite Washington's troops in Pennsylvania.

On Christmas night, General Washington, camped by the Delaware River, figured out a plan he thought would bring victory. He wants you to cross the Delaware River and attack the Trenton garrison. This will give you access to New York, the British troops headquarters. What will you do?

December 26. 1776

Trenton,New Jersey

What really happened at Trenton?

Colonel Rall’s troops were German militia, called Hessians, being being paid by King George III to fight for the British cause in the colonies. The Hessians didn't really care who won the War, as long as they got paid so they didn't always fight as hard as they could have.

However, on Christmas night, Washington lead a group of 2,400 troops across the Delaware. Despite the ice floating down the river, Washington succeeded in crossing the river and leading his men and their artillery ashore. He achieved a complete surprise against the Hessians at a few minutes before 8:00am, Washington’s troops converged on the Trenton garrison.


Your decision to attack Washington’s troops might have been the call to make. Unfortunately, this was not what happened. The decision was that no patrol was needed along the river that night as weather conditions were too bad and Washington would not dare to cross.

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington

Battle of Yorktown

The British commander, Colonel Rall, was killed and within an hour, the battle was over. Twenty-two Hessians were dead, 98 were wounded and almost a thousand were being held prisoner while only four Americans were wounded. Another spirit raising victory for the American colonists who were losing faith and hope of winning their freedom.

The Americans set up 18 artillery along the streets of the city. As the Hessians who had been up late celebrating Christmas took to the streets, they were struck down. In the damp weather, their muskets did not work very well, but artillery could be fired in any weather.

What really happened at Trenton? continued



However, on Christmas night, Washington lead a group of 2,400 troops across the Delaware. Despite the ice floating down the river, Washington succeeded in crossing the river and leading his men and their artillery ashore. He achieved a complete surprise against the Hessians at a few minutes before 8:00am, Washington’s troops converged on the Trenton garrison.


Your decision to wait to attack Washington’s troops was the same one that was made by the British and Hessians in 1776. The decision was that no patrol was needed along the river that night as weather conditions were too bad and Washington would not dare to cross.




Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington


You decided to brave the weather and did exactly what General Washington did. Despite his defeats in New York, Washington was not willing to sit idly by while the British occupied all of New Jersey.


On Christmas night, Washington lead a group of 2,400 troops across the Delaware. Despite the ice floating down the river, Washington succeeded in crossing the river and leading his men and their artillery ashore. He achieved a complete surprise against the Hessians at a few minutes before 8:00am, Washington’s troops converged on the Trenton garrison.





Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington



On Christmas night, Washington did lead a group of 2,400 troops across the Delaware. Despite the ice floating down the river, Washington succeeded in crossing the river and leading his men and their artillery ashore. He achieved a complete surprise against the Hessians at a few minutes before 8:00am, Washington’s troops converged on the Trenton garrison.


Your hesitation might have cost the Continental Army a big victory. Despite his defeats in New York, Washington was not willing to sit idly by while the British occupied all of New Jersey.




Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington

attack

regroup

October 17, 1777

Saratoga, New York

Early in morning of the 13th of September, General Burgoyne crossed the Hudson, heading towards Albany. He was down to 6,500 troops. General Gates’ troops are nearby but General Burgoyne was handicapped by his limited knowledge of the exact positions What will you do?

Saratoga, New York

attack

regroup

October 17, 1777

Early in morning of the 19th of September, the British troops were moving. The Americans became aware of the British movements. General Arnold and General Gates can’t seem to agree on whether or not to send your force out from the fortification to determine British intentions. What will you do?

What really happened at Saratoga?

The Battle at Saratoga was actually two battles, the first is referred to as Freeman's Farm Battle. This battle was considered a tie but, the British lost two soldiers for every one American. The second Battle, known as the Battle of Bemis Heights, was an overwhelming patriot victory. British losses were four to one including seven British generals.

You made a similar decision to that of General John Burgoyne's. His attempt to separate the rebellious New England colonies from those farther south ended in a spectacular failure.

Benedict Arnold, who had not yet turned traitor, and General Horatio Gates were the leaders of the American offensive, which forced the surrender of 6,000 British troops under General John Burgoyne. After many negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on October 17. He returned to England in disgrace, and was never given another command.


This battle was considered a turning point in the war. When news of the American victory reached Europe, France and Spain decided that the American rebels were serious and powerful enough to actually win the war. France entered the war on the side of the patriots. Money and supplies flowed to the American cause, providing Washington's Continental Army with the support necessary to continue its fight against Great Britain.

What really happened at Saratoga? continued

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord



The Battle at Saratoga was actually two battles, the first is referred to as Freeman's Farm Battle. This battle was considered a tie but, the British lost two soldiers for every one American. The second Battle, known as the Battle of Bemis Heights, was an overwhelming patriot victory. British losses were four to one including seven British generals.

Your decision could have changed the events of this battle. General John Burgoyne's was anxious to separate the rebellious New England colonies from those farther south. His decision ended in a spectacular failure.

Benedict Arnold, who had not yet turned traitor, and General Horatio Gates were the leaders of the American offensive, which forced the surrender of 6,000 British troops under General John Burgoyne. After many negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on October 17. He returned to England in disgrace, and was never given another command.



Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown

Battle of Lexington

Battle of Concord




The Battle at Saratoga was actually two battles under the supervision of General Benedict Arnold and General Horatio Gates. The first is referred to as Freeman's Farm Battle. This battle was considered a tie but, the British lost two soldiers for every one American. The second Battle, known as the Battle of Bemis Heights, was an overwhelming patriot victory. British losses were four to one including seven British generals.

You decided similarly to General Arnold, who had yet to turn on the American cause. He and General Gates did not agree on what course of action to take, but General Arnold, seeing a moment, chose to attack General Burgoyne’s troops.



Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown


General John Burgoyne's attempt to separate the rebellious New England colonies from those farther south ended in a spectacular failure which ended with the surrender of 6,000 British troops. After many negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on October 17. He returned to England in disgrace, and was never given another command.



The Battle at Saratoga was actually two battles under the supervision of General Benedict Arnold and General Horatio Gates. The first is referred to as Freeman's Farm Battle. This battle was considered a tie but, the British lost two soldiers for every one American. The second Battle, known as the Battle of Bemis Heights, was an overwhelming patriot victory. British losses were four to one including seven British generals.

You decided similarly to General Arnold, who had yet to turn on the American cause. He and General Gates did not agree on what course of action to take, but General Arnold, seeing a moment, chose to attack General Burgoyne’s troops.


Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Yorktown


General John Burgoyne's attempt to separate the rebellious New England colonies from those farther south ended in a spectacular failure which ended with the surrender of 6,000 British troops. After many negotiations, Burgoyne officially surrendered on October 17. He returned to England in disgrace, and was never given another command.

attack

regroup

October 19, 1781

Yorktown, Virginia

General Cornwallis has learned that the French Admiral, de Grasse, is sailing to Virginia to prevent his army from leaving Yorktown. Washington and French General Rochambeau’s troops are stationed outside Yorktown. Do you wait and become trapped or attack and escape right through their troops?

Yorktown, Virginia

attack

regroup

October 19, 1781

Washington has learned that the French Admiral, de Grasse, was sailing to Virginia to prevent the British army from leaving Yorktown. He and French General rush their troops toward Yorktown to trap them over land. Do you wait and keep them from escaping or attack?

What really happened at Yorktown?

Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton delivered a letter from General Washington to General Cornwallis. Washington wrote that he wanted to stop the "useless effusion of blood." General Cornwallis realized there was no hope for his army. On October 17th the British sent a fleet from New York to help General Cornwallis and his men, but by that time it was too late.

On October 19, 1781, General Cornwallis and his 7,157 men officially surrendered. Cornwallis was so badly humiliated by the defeat that he did not attend the surrender ceremony. Instead General O'Hara presented the sword of surrender to the French general, as if to snub the Americans.

This was the last official battle of the War but there were still some minor fights occurring in the south, where there were many loyalists, and there were battles occurring on the Atlantic Ocean, near England.


The British were outnumbered and had hardly any food. General Cornwallis saw no point in putting his men at risk. Maybe your decision would have ended things differently.

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington

Yorktown was a great victory, but it was not conclusive. The British militia still occupied New York City, Wilmington, Charleston, and Savannah and the Continental Army had no immediate plans to retake these cities. However, the British were hard pressed by years of war, and the government in London saw that it would be difficult to replace Cornwallis' army. The British citizens had also reached their limit, of paying taxes to support the American war.

The British government, realizing that the costs of the war were greater than the potential gain, entered into peace negotiations, with Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay in April, 1782. The Treaty of Paris was signed in September, 1783, and officially ended the war. This treaty recognized the American independence, and made the Mississippi River the new nation's western border. Britain was allowed to retain Canada and they returned Florida to Spain. American independence, virtually unthinkable in 1763, had been achieved.







The British were outnumbered and had hardly any food. General Cornwallis saw no point in putting his men at risk. It looks like you made a similar decision.

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington



What really happened at Yorktown?continued






You seem to have a mind like General Washington. He left a small force to watch over New York City, while he moved his remaining troops toward Virginia. He attacked while the British were outnumbered and had hardly any food left.

Battle of Trenton

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington



What really happened at Yorktown? continued






Your hesitation might have changed the events of the war. General Washington not wanting Cornwallis to escape, left a small force to watch over New York City, while he moved his remaining troops toward Virginia. He attacked while the British were outnumbered and had hardly any food left.



Battle of Trenton

Battle of Saratoga

Battle of Concord


Battle of Lexington

What really happened at Yorktown? continued

[email protected] site last updated July 30, 2004

turtle graphics courtesty of Noreen Strehlow, battle pictures from http://www.nps.gov/ and http://pbskids.org/libertyskids, U.S. Department of Education and email graphic from animation factory

StandardsSocial Studies

Students will demonstrate an understanding of historical events using chronological and spatial thinking, develop historical interpretations, and frame questions that include collecting and evaluating information. SS.500.10

In the context of Maryland up to contemporary time and United States history through 1790, students are able to:Recall critical political, social and economic issues and events that led to the American Revolution. SS.500.20.01Identify and analyze the causes and effects of historic events. SS.500.10.04Make decisions and analyze decisions of individuals, groups and institutions. SS.500.10.05Language ArtsDevelop and apply comprehension skills by reading a variety of assigned print and electronic informational texts. L.A.500.20.01 Students will read, comprehend, analyze, and evaluate informational text. L.A.500.20 Use a graphic organizer or another note-taking technique to record important ideas or information. L.A.500.10.10i Use strategies to determine and analyze important ideas and messages in informational text. L.A.500.20.04 Draw conclusions, inferences, and generalizations from one text or across multiple texts to form new understandings. L.A.500.20.04q

Credits

choose your side

Documents

prebattle intelligence

unofficial battle

final battle

actual results

actual battles

unruly colonists

revolutionary war

british troops