Which war was a turning point for the original American colonists?

The Battle of Saratoga (October 1777) was the turning point of the Revolutionary War. It was a major American victory. General Gates (American) and his army surrounded the British troops under General Burgoyne and gained a great military victory. The significance of this battle was the fact that other countries saw that the colonists were able to have some chance at success, because this was the first major battle that they had won. This battle was influential in convincing France to join the colonial side. The French troops greatly aided the Americans, who probably would have been unable to win without the assistance of the French.

The Battle of Trenton (December 1776) was also important in raising American spirits, as it was a long-needed victory after a time of loss and discouragement. This was a surprise attack on the British that occured on December 26.

The Battle of Yorktown was the last major battle of the Revolutionary War, culminating in General Cornwallis's surrender to General Washington on October 19, 1781. The Revolutionary War officially ended in 1783 with the Treaty of Paris.