1778. France recognizes the independence of the United States and forms an alliance with them. Evacuation of Philadelphia by the British. A French fleet and army arrive in America to aid the United States. Savannah captured by the British. Massacre of Wyoming. Congress refuses to treat with the British commissioners.
Beginning of the War of the Bavarian Succession.
Cook discovers the Sandwich (Hawaiian) Islands.
France declares war against England.
1779. Battle of Brier Creek; defeat of the Americans. Stony Point stormed by the Americans under Wayne.
Paul Jones gains a naval victory off the English coast; see "First Victory of the American Navy," xiv, [68].
Repulse by the British of the Americans and French at Savannah.
Spain declares war against England; Gibraltar invested by the French and Spanish fleets.
1780. Siege and capture of Charleston by the British. First Battle of Camden; defeat of the Americans. Treachery of Arnold, who agrees to deliver West Point to the British. Execution of Major André. Victory of the Americans at King's Mountain.
Gordon "No Popery" riots in England.