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Lexington and Concord
"The shot heard 'round the world."
The Battle of Lexington was the first battle of the war against Britain. Although bothe Lexington and Concord were considered British victories, the British suffered many losses and the Americans gained morale. -
Second Continental Congress
A group of delegates from the colonies that had started meeting in the summer of 1775, in Philadelphia, soon after warfare in the American Revolutionary War had begun. -
George Washington
Was named the Commander in Chief of the American forces. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The British drove the Americans from Breed's Hill. Although it was a British victory the British suffered many losses and the Americans gained morale. -
"Common Sense"
Published by Thomas Paine, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. -
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
A document that proclaimed the inherent rights of men, including the right to rebel against "inadequate" government. Later influenced the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. -
Delcaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson, announced that the thirteen colonies regarded themselves as thirteen newly independent sovereign states, and no longer a part of the British Empire -
Battle of Long Island
The British Army successfully won against the American Continental Army led by George Washington. Washingtons forces were forced to retreat. -
Trenton
Washingtons forces crossed the Delaware and captured Trentin from the German Hessians. -
Valley Forge
Washingtons forces retire to their winter quarters at Valley Forge. Was the turning point of the war. -
Treaty of Alliance
France agrees to aid the United States. When the war was ended France wanted the Carribean. -
Articels of Confederation
The Articals of Confederation are adopted. It was a document signed amongst the 13 original colonies that established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution. -
Yorktown
A victory by a combined force of American Continental Army troops led by Washington and French Army troops over a British Army commanded by British lord and Lieutenant General Cornwallis. Was also the last major land battle in the revolution with the surrender of Cornwallis. -
Lord North
Lord North resigns as the British prime minister. -
Treaty of Paris
Ended the American Revolutionary War between Great Britain and the United States of America. -
Treaty of Versailles
Ended French and Spanish hostilities against Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War. -
U.S. Constitution
The U.S. Constitution is signed. -
The Northwest Ordinance
Adopted by the Second Continental Congress, it provided a method for admitting new states to the Union from the territory, and listed a bill of rights guaranteed in the territory. -
Ratification of the Constitution
The U.S. Constitution is adopted when New Hampsire ratifies it.
