British military Campaigns 1775-1783

[apowell]

American war of Independence 1775-1783
The major conflict following the revolt of the North American colonies against British rule, particularly on the issue of taxation. Hostilities began in 1775 when British and American forces clashed at Lexington and Concord. Articles of Confederation agreed in the Continental Congress in 1777 provided for a confederacy to be known as the United States of America. France and Spain allied itself with the Americans with France entering the war from 1776 in particular offering much needed military support. The war was effectively ended with the surrender of the British at Yorktown in 1781 and peace was signed at the treaty of Paris in 1783.

Battle of Bunker Hill
17th June 1775
British Army commanded by General William Howe defeats American Army commanded by General Gage.

Battles of Saratoga
19th September & 7th October 1777
American Army commanded by General Gates inflict major defeat on British Army commanded by General Burgoyne.

Siege of Yorktown
28th Sept-19th Oct 1781
French and American Armies commanded by General Washington defeat and force the surrender of British Army commanded by General Cornwallis.

With cessation of hostilities on 4th February 1783 80,000 Loyalists left the country for Canada and Bahamas etc. before the last British troops themselves left 4th December 1783 instigating one of the largest mass migrations in history.