The military may be ordered to take action against civilians who are suspected of threatening peace and order even if there has been no formal declaration of war.
Such police actions in Massachusetts in 1775 angered colonists throughout the colonies and led them to step up their military, political, and economic protests.
Lexington (1775)
Police Actions
The military may be ordered to take action against civilians who are suspected of threatening peace and order even if there has been no formal declaration of war.
Such police actions in Massachusetts in 1775 angered colonists throughout the colonies and led them to step up their military, political, and economic protests.
Bunker Hill (1775)
Police Actions
The military may be ordered to take action against civilians who are suspected of threatening peace and order even if there has been no formal declaration of war.
Such police actions in Massachusetts in 1775 angered colonists throughout the colonies and led them to step up their military, political, and economic protests.
Battle of Brooklyn (1776)
Pitched Battles
These battles are the traditional kind, where the two armies meet on a battlefield and fight until one side surrenders or both sides are so damaged that the battle ends in a draw.
Battle of Trenton (1776)
Pitched Battles
These battles are the traditional kind, where the two armies meet on a battlefield and fight until one side surrenders or both sides are so damaged that the battle ends in a draw.
Battle of Brandywine Creek (1777)
Pitched Battles
These battles are the traditional kind, where the two armies meet on a battlefield and fight until one side surrenders or both sides are so damaged that the battle ends in a draw.
Battle of Saratoga (1777)
Pitched Battles
These battles are the traditional kind, where the two armies meet on a battlefield and fight until one side surrenders or both sides are so damaged that the battle ends in a draw.
Battle of Monmouth Courthouse (1777)
Pitched Battles
These battles are the traditional kind, where the two armies meet on a battlefield and fight until one side surrenders or both sides are so damaged that the battle ends in a draw.
Battle of King’s Mountain (1780)
Guerrilla Warfare
This type of warfare is conducted by small, fast-moving groups, instead of large armies. Their missions are usually secret, and the planners use cunning strategy, rather than the outright fighting of pitched battles. The participants are often in enemy territory with little military support.
Battle of Cowpens (1780)
Guerrilla Warfare
This type of warfare is conducted by small, fast-moving groups, instead of large armies. Their missions are usually secret, and the planners use cunning strategy, rather than the outright fighting of pitched battles. The participants are often in enemy territory with little military support.
Siege of Boston (April 1775–March 1776)
Siege
During a siege an army surrounds a location, hoping to force the enemy to surrender. The army will fight, but will also prevent the enemy from receiving food, medicine, and supplies, forcing them to give up out of desperation.
Siege of Charleston (March–May 1780)
Siege
During a siege an army surrounds a location, hoping to force the enemy to surrender. The army will fight, but will also prevent the enemy from receiving food, medicine, and supplies, forcing them to give up out of desperation.
Siege of Yorktown (September 1781–October 1781) - The last major action of the war
Siege
During a siege an army surrounds a location, hoping to force the enemy to surrender. The army will fight, but will also prevent the enemy from receiving food, medicine, and supplies, forcing them to give up out of desperation.