Philadelphia as a city has made significant contributions in the American Revolutionary War or the American War of Independence. The American Revolutionary War in Philadelphia was marked by two important events. Firstly, the Battle of Germantown was fought on October 4, 1777, in German Town, Pennsylvania. The fierce battle was a part of the Philadelphia campaign in the American Revolutionary War. Secondly, the First Troop of Philadelphia City Cavalry was established as one of the foremost military troops of American Revolution.
Initially, the American Revolutionary War started as a civil war, which was fought between the thirteen British colonies in North American continent and the Kingdom of Great Britain. The revolution ultimately transformed into war as the colonists wanted to overthrow the Royalist rule.
Philadelphia Campaign in the American Revolutionary War
Philadelphia Campaign in the year 1776 by General Howe proved to be a significant event in the American Revolutionary War. Capturing Philadelphia was important as the city was the functional base of the Revolutionary Government. It was late August, General Howe along with troop of 15,000 men marched to the northern end of Chesapeake Bay, in southwest Philadelphia. General George Washington arranged for a strong counterattack but was defeated in the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. Finally, on September 26, 1776, Howe marched into Philadelphia unopposed.
Battle of Germantown in Philadelphia
Battle of Germantown was another bloody battle fought on October 4, 1777 in Germantown, a small area in
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Pennsylvania. After the capture of Philadelphia by Charles Cornwallis, General George Washington launched a sudden attack on Willam Howe's 9,000 man strong army in Germantown, situated north of Philadelphia. He chalked out a wonderful plan to attack the British encampment and totally take them by surprise. His plan was to divide his army into four assault columns, and encroach Germantown through various routes to attack the British army. Finally, as they approached Germantown and encountered the British troops at various points, the main columns of assault began to falter and Washington ordered all the other columns of assault to retreat. It was a decisive victory for the British army. General Washington's plan failed and the Americans were not able to cause any serious damage to the British troops.
First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry and the American Revolutionary War in Philadelphia
The First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry was a foremost military organization established during the American Revolutionary War. Established in 1774, it was also known as the First City Troop and was a unit of the Pennysylvania Army National Guard. Famed as the Light Horse of the City of Philadelphia, people referred to it as the Philadelphia Light House. Members of this troop were recruited from various social organizations like the Schuykill Fishin Company and the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. This troop participated in the many battles fought during the revolution like the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine and Germantown. The members of this troop also served as General Washington's bodyguard.
The American Revolutionary War concluded with the naval victory of the French in Chesapeake, in southwest Philadelphia, which finally forced the British troops to surrender in Yorktown in 1781.
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