Dr. Samuel B. Hoff is a George Washington Distinguished Professor Emeritus and an internship director at Delaware State University. He is also a previous recipient of a military history fellowship from West Point.
In every prolonged military conflict, there are opportunities for one side or another to take control, recoup momentum or score a knockout victory. For the Americans fighting for independence from Britain, there were several critical junctures in the Revolution.
The period leading up to 1775 witnessed a multitude of actions by England that angered the Colonists. First, there was the Royal Proclamation, which limited travel west. Then, starting with the Sugar Act, the British imposed a series of burdensome taxes. Moreover, Britain prevented unrestricted trade. Finally, American acts of protest led to some violent reactions, which galvanized support for separation.
In many ways, the start of the American Revolution gave the Colonists hope that the war would be short. The opening battles in the Boston area heavily favored the Americans. But, just two short months later, the Battle of Bunker Hill reversed the American momentum. Over the next two major operations — the attempted invasion of Canada in late 1775 and the Battle of Long Island in summer 1776 — Americans were routed. The Trenton and Princeton battles in winter 1776 not only resurrected George Washington’s reputation but saved the cause of freedom.
The second turning point of the American Revolution occurred almost at the same time as the event that facilitated it. In September 1777, the British captured Philadelphia as a result of the Battle of Brandywine, forcing an American retreat. However, with Gen. Horatio Gates and Brig. Gen. Benedict Arnold in charge, the Continental Army defeated British Gen. John Burgoyne only a month later at the Battle of Saratoga. This victory by the Americans precipitated recognition by France, setting the stage for an alliance against Britain.
During 1780, the American-French team was scoring a series of victories, especially during the summer. Then came the Battle of Camden on Aug. 16. That British victory in South Carolina discredited Gen. Gates and put the English back in control in the southern region. The final turning point transpired in waves in 1781. Initially, Gen. Daniel Morgan helped the Americans come out on top at the Battle of Cowpens in January, regaining the upper hand in the South. Next, the American-French team planned a mutual campaign to regain the advantage in Virginia and North Carolina. Finally, the Battle of Yorktown — a combined land and sea operation — delivered the decisive win for the American-French team, as British Gen. Lord Charles Cornwallis surrendered his entire force of over 7,000.
Overall stats for all battles during the American Revolution era reveal some surprising findings. When assessing battles fought during the Revolution itself, Britain won 54% of them, closer than expected. However, when looking at battles that took place between 1781 and the official treaty ending the American Revolution in 1783, Britain won 73% of those.
Clearly, the American victory in the war of independence was never certain. Liberation was the result of leadership, learning and luck alike.
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