-
Declaration of Independence
The Second Continental Congress declared independence. The motion was made by Richard Henry Lee and it was passed on July 2nd, 1776. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. -
Common Sense
This was a pamphlet by Thomas Paine that urged American independence. It also pushed the idea of a republic hich was a government that was run by the people. -
Battle of Long Island
Washington and his men had to escape to Manhatten in this battle because they were overpowered by the British. -
Norfolk Burned
In an attempt to add the 14th colony, the British burned the town of Norfolk Virginia. This followed the burning of Falmouth in the year 1775. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington and his troops crossed the Delawar River and surprised the Hessian soldiers at Trenton. This was America's first victory and it boosted the moral of the colonists. -
Battle of Saratoga
The most critical battle and the turning point of the war. Burgoyne was forced to surrender. It was a major victory and convinced France that America may actually have a chance to win and therefore decided to openly aid America. -
Hudson River Valley
The British had a great plan for capturing the Hudson River Valley. This was a shot at paralyzing the American cause. There would be an invading force led by Burgoyne who would push down Lake Champlain. They kept General Howe's troops in New York if they were needed. -
Franco - American Treaty
Benjamin Franklin convinced France to formally join America in the ar. It also came to recognize American independence and pledged to a military alliance. -
Battle of Monmouth
This took place in New Jersey as the redcoats left Philadelphia hich moved ashington and his troops into New York. -
George Rogers Clark
1778-1779. George Rogers Clark got the idea and decided to attempt to capture British forts throughout the wild Illinois. -
Armed Neutrality
This passively allied the remaining neutral European countried against Britian. Catherine the Great of Russia was behind this. -
Surrender of Charleston
This town fell in 1780 to the British and five thousand men were captured. This was a heavy loss to the Americans. -
Cornwallis' Surrender
George Washington and Rochambeau's French army concerned Cornwallis and this forced him to surrender. His supplies and reinforcements never showed up so he had no choice. -
Lord North Replaces Townshend
Lord North replaced Townshend. He was favorable to the Americans and was a Whig Ministry. -
Treaty of 1783
This treaty ended the American Revolution and it recognized American independence all the way to the Mississippi River. They retained some fishing rights in Newfoundland and the Loyalists were to be treated fairly.
