American Revolution - Phase (2)

King George in mid-1775 declared the colonies in an "open state of rebellion".

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​If the British ever had a single strategic objective in the war, it was the Hudson River-Lake Champlain line. By taking and holding this line the British believed they could separate New England, considered to be the principal center of the rebellion, from the more malleable colonies to the southward.

Phase (2) of the War

​July 1776, the British navy arrived in New York Harbor

1. 30,000 troops

2. 10,000 sailors

3. 300 supply ships

4. 30 battleships with 1,200 cannon

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​"It was as if all of London was afloat" - American Soldier

British Forces (By the numbers)

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August 1776, was a decisive victory for the British. George Washington and the Continental Army were eventually forced to retreat all the way to Pennsylvania. The British remained in control of New York City for the rest of the Revolutionary War.​

Battle of Long Island

October 11, 1776

Lake Champlain

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Benedict Arnold's plan and America's first real navy, hold the British from invading NY​ - pushing the war until 1777.

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The map on the right, shows Arnold's plan

The Battle of Valcour Island

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Sometimes referred to as the "Crossing"​

​George Washington’s iconic victory on 26^th December 1776 over Colonel Rahl’s Hessian troops after crossing the frozen Delaware River; the battle that re-invigorated the American Revolution

​Rome, NY

On August 12, American General Benedict Arnold led another column towards Stanwix. Arnold had only 700 men but was within striking distance of St. Leger by Aug. 20. Instead of engaging St. Leger directly, Arnold used disinformation to undermine British morale. Fearing that Arnold was marching on his lines rapidly with 3,000 men, and with growing discontent among his native allies, St. Leger abandoned the siege on August 22nd.

​The Battle of Saratoga occurred in September and October, 1777, during the second year of the American Revolution. It included two crucial battles, fought eighteen days apart, and was a decisive victory for the Continental Army and a crucial turning point in the Revolutionary War

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The French would join shortly after.

Saratoga

​Gentleman Johnny as he was known. His slow advance on NY and poor decisions led to the failure of the British to cut off New England in 1777.

John Burgoyne

Alexandar Hamilton was Washington's "aid to camp" playing a pivotal role in the battle of Trenton.

Hamilton & Washington

​Commanded the naval forces that chased the Americans on Lake Champlain. Poor timing led to the British winning but losing

​​Guy Carlton

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​Led forces alongside Arnold and Morgan at Saratoga. Congress considered replacing Washington with Gates at one point.

Horatio Gates

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