American Revolution Dbq

The American Revolution, also known as the Revolutionary War, was a long political struggle beginning in 1775 due to the American colonists’ desire to obtain freedom from British control. Although there were numerous reasons for the significant outbreak, the initiation of taxes from the British government without colonial representation was the largest. The exact number of battles fought in the American Revolution is difficult to determine due to the substantial amount of small engagements throughout the war. However, it is believed that there were over 230 battles fought between 1775 and 1783 (Revolutionary War Battles). Three battles that played a significant role in the success of the American Revolution were The Battle of Lexington and

The battle was a turning point in the war due to its outcome having significant implications for the future of the American colonies. “In 1777, British strategy called for a three-pronged attack on New York, with three separate armies converging near Albany. For British general John Burgoyne, moving south from Canada with 7,500 men, the Hudson River Valley became the critical route for the invasion” (American Battlefield Trust). However, the American colonists were occupied on the trail the British troops needed for travel. General John Burgoyne was aware of the colonists on the trail, however, was not sure of their exact location. General Horatio Gates forced British General Burgoyne to surrender at the Battle of Saratoga, after a three-week standoff. The victory of Saratoga proved to the world that the Americans could win the war. The French recognized America’s strong desire for independence and negotiated a mutually beneficial policy that turned a colonial rebellion into a global war causing fighting between the British and French to break out in Europe and India (The American Yawp). The French signed trade agreements with the Americans and would soon provide soldiers and a navy. France’s financial and military support contributed to Washington’s victory at Yorktown in 1781, which effectively ended America’s War for Independence (American Battlefield Trust). Washington remained in his position as the leader of the American troops. On the other hand, British leader Burgoyne was significantly criticized when he arrived back in England and was no longer asked to lead the British