Turning Point Of The American Revolution Essay

Impacts on the American Revolution

Throughout the American Revolution, the American army defeated several great nations that had more battling experience than them. Their wins did not come easy. It took great hardship to survive and fight in these exhausting wars. Most importantly though, every battle had a turning point. A turning point, a time at which a decisive change in a situation occurs, was key to American victories, which led to independence. There were four battles that had major turning points which led to American victory during the American Revolution: the battle of Trenton, the battle of Saratoga, Valley Forge, and the battle of Yorktown. If these events would have turned out different, America probably would not be the same as it

is today. The first turning point, the battle of Trenton, took place early morning on December 26, 1776. Washington’s army crossed the Delaware River before the sun rose and surrounded Trenton in a circle. This was a fast battle and the Hessians quickly surrendered.

This battle was not only the defeat of the Hessians in Trenton, but Washington’s army got their first victory without any troops dying during the attack. This was the turning point in the revolution that helped them gain confidence in themselves. The second turning point was the battle of Saratoga. Between September 19 and October 7, the British and Americans fought against each other but Americans got the edge because the French agreed to help America and supplied them with their navy, troops, and supplies. This win was a major victory for America because it was the first surrender of British troops. 5,895 British and Hessians (only a small percent of Hessians) turned over their weapons making the American forces have lots of power. Now with all of their soldiers and weapons, they were more of a threat. The third turning point was Valley Forge. Taken place in the winter of 1777 and 1778, many of Washington’s soldiers died due to cold weather and food supply. The troops also had rigorous training throughout the cold winter, keeping the army in shape. Almost 10 soldiers died every day in Valley Forge, but when the winter was over every one of Washington’s sunshine patriots respected him.

This lead to the battle of Yorktown. Starting on September 1781, Washington’s army with the help of the French defeated the British soldiers at Yorktown. Surrounding the York River so the British could not get help from boats, the Americans attacked and came out with a strategic victory. This was the last battle of the American Revolution in which the fighting came to an end. About a month after the war ended, the Treaty of Paris was signed making America an independent nation. All these important battles helped the American soldiers win the revolution, and without the important turning points in between, America would not be like it was today.