George Washington

April 19, 1775 · 368 total casualties

The first military engagements of the Revolution shattered the myth of British invincibility and proved that colonial militia could stand against the world's finest army. The alarm spread throughout the colonies within days.

December 26, 1776 · 924 total casualties

Thomas Paine wrote 'These are the times that try men's souls' just weeks before. Trenton reversed the catastrophic momentum of the New York campaign, re-enlisted thousands of soldiers, and restored patriot morale across the continent. The crossing became one of the most iconic images in American history.

January 3, 1777 · 518 total casualties

Together with Trenton, Princeton completed Washington's 'Ten Crucial Days,' reversing the war's trajectory. The New Jersey campaign demonstrated Washington's strategic genius — using mobility to compensate for numerical weakness.

December 19, 1777 – June 19, 1778 · 2,500 total casualties

Valley Forge was the crucible that forged the Continental Army. Von Steuben's training manual became the standard for the U.S. Army for decades. The army that marched out in June 1778 could stand and fight in the European manner — as proven at Monmouth six days later.

June 28, 1778 · 720 total casualties

Monmouth was the last major battle in the North. The new French alliance shifted British strategy south, and Washington's army had proven it could fight on equal terms. General Lee was court-martialed and never held command again.

September 28 – October 19, 1781 · 8,476 total casualties

The last major military engagement of the Revolution. Parliament voted to end offensive operations in America, and peace negotiations began. The Treaty of Paris in 1783 formally recognized American independence.