The Times That Try Men’s Souls (July 1776 – January 1777)

The British plan to capture Breed's Hill and Bunker Hill on the Charlestown peninsula overlooking Boston. When the Patriots catch wind of the plan, Colonel William Prescott rushes to seize and fortify the hills. The following day on June 17th, 1775, British forces led by General William Howe assault the hastily constructed Patriot defenses, resulting in the bloodiest battle of the war.

Tsi'yu-gunsini, or Dragging Canoe in English, is a Cherokee chief who leads raids against illegal settlements by American colonists on Native lands. Their British allies urge them to be patient, but Dragging Canoe doesn't hesitate. In response, thousands of colonial militiamen pour into Native territories and wage a war of total annihilation.

Guided by three volunteers in the dark of night, British General Henry Clinton leads 10,000 men to attack George Washington's forces at Long Island. The battle is the largest of the American Revolution, and it turns into a complete victory for the British. However, rather than dealing a final blow, the British stop, giving Washington and his troops time to flee across the river into Manhattan.

The Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia to debate the Articles of Confederation: the document that will formally bind all 13 states together. The debates last weeks as Congress discusses taxation, border disputes and the autonomy of states. As the debates continue, Abigail Adams urges her husband to consider the rights of women in this new country.

After the defeat at Quebec City, a British invasion down the Hudson River seemed inevitable. Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold are appointed to construct a navy to stop the British invasion on Lake Champlain. Despite being outnumbered two to one, Gates and Arnold are able to fend off the British force and halt the planned invasion until the following spring.

With days until the enlistment runs out for many soldiers within his army, General George Washington devises a bold plan to cross the Delaware River on Christmas night and strike the town of Trenton, New Jersey. Despite the frigid temperatures and complexity of the mission, Washington and his forces are successful in capturing Trenton, which is a crucial victory for morale.

The Revolution, now a war for American independence, faces its toughest challenge yet as General Washington tries to defend New York City from invasion by sea. The resulting Battle of Long Island is a huge defeat for the Americans, who narrowly escape and spend the next several months on the run. In late December, Washington’s army regroups and prepares to attack an outpost in Trenton, New Jersey.