Battle of Long Island-1776 As the Second Continental Congress considered independence, the British brought a large fleet consisting of 34,000 troops and 10,000 sailors to New York. Through a series of long battles, the British caused the Continental Army to retreat very far into New York. In the Battle of Long Island, the British forced the Americans to retreat from Brooklyn and eventually caused them to abandon New York City.
Battle of Trenton-1776 Due to their previous loss at Long Island the colonial morale was low. However George Washington was able to rally his troops and on Christmas night the Continental Army crossed the Delaware River and attacked the British from both sides achieving complete surprise. After setting another trap for the British, the Americans won the Battle of Trenton. This victory caused higher morale among the troops. Another advantage to this victory was that the Patriots gained supplies from the city.
Battle of Saratoga-1777 British General John Burgoyne made a plan to cut off New England from the rest of the states from three directions. After one unit was directed incorrectly to go to Philadelphia and another unit was cornered by the Continental Army, his plan was foiled. Burgoyne tried to move his unit south from Canada but was blocked by the Americans at the village of Saratoga. On October 17,1777, Burgoyne and his troops surrendered. This victory also raised morale among troops and convinced other European powers that the Continental Army might be able to win the war.
Battle of Monmouth-1778 After the Battle of Saratoga, the Americans met the retreating British at Monmouth. A long battle waged between the Americans and the British for a long time. But, overpowered by the Americans once again, the British retreated further across the Hudson river and into New York City. Although neither armies knew it yet, the war in the North was over.
Battle of Yorktown-1781 Weakened by earlier battles, British General Charles Cornwallis headed to Virginia hoping that the British fleet could provide him with supplies and reinforcements. However, by August of 1781 the French ships had arrived in Yorktown harbor having chased off the British ships. At the same time, Washington rushed towards Yorktown hoping to corner the British. He succeeded. After three weeks of battling, Cornwallis had no choice but to surrender. The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the war.