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Paul Revere, a blacksmith from Boston is famous for his midnight ride to Lexington and Concord. He rode his horse all night shouting warnings to all the towns that the British were coming by sea.
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In Lexington: Minutemen surprise British soilders while waiting in a field prepared for battle. Then a shot was fired by someone unknown which started the battle of Lexington, which the British won. In Concord: The British met a better match at Concord and retreated to Boston. However minutemen were shooting at the British troops during their 18 mile march back to Boston, causing over 125 causualties.
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The second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia they agreed to create a Continental army, of which George Washingon would be the supreme commander.
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George Washington is named commander in cheif of the continental army.
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American troops under the order of Artemas Ward moved out of camp carrying picks, shovels, and guns. The next morning the British attacked the American troops on Bunker hill, even though the Americans had a superior position - they had cannons pointing down hill at the British troops, the British won the Battle but at a great cost; almost half of them were either killed or wounded.
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Written by Thomas Paine, "Common Sense" challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. "Common Sense" convinced many many undecided people that it was time to break free from Britain.
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Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, and it is sent to the printers.
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The Declaration of Independence is read to the public, and receives mixed reactions from the audience.
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The delegates sign the Declaration of Independence, making it official. John Hancock is famous for his large signature on the Declaration. When he signed it, he said, "There, I guess King George will be able to read that."
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George Washington and the men of the Continental Army and militia crossed the Delaware River and marched to Trenton, New Jersey. There, they attacked and defeated Hessian troops quartered in the village. This surprise attack is known as one of the 10 Crucial Days - the victories that saved Washington and his men from defeat.
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George Washington won the battle at Princeton against the British troops.
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The battle between the Continental Army led by George Washington and the British forces led by William Howe and the British won.
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Washington planned an attack on Howe's 9,000 troop-members in Germantown. At dawn the four columns were to converge near Howe's headquarters and catch the British by suprise, but the American's were defeated.
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The Americans defeated the British at the Battle of Saratoga when Burgoyne surrendered to American General Gates. The victory was significant to the Americans because in convinced the French to become allies with them and boosted the confidence throughout the colonies.
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For 6 months Washingtons troops retired for the winter at Valley Forge. There they were hungry, cold, ragged, and cramped, their suffering ended when the word got out to the colonies and they sent food, clothing, medicine, and other supplies needed.
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The treaty provided for a defense alliance to aid France, if England were to attack. And that neither France nor the United States would make peace with England until the independence of the United States is reconized.
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In Barren Hill Pennsylvania, Lafayette, along with 500 men and 50 Oneida Indians successfully avoid British onslought.
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The British abandoned Philadelphia and went back to New York.
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Ready to move against the retreating British, Washington abandons Valley Forge by crossing the Schuylkill river. He followed the British, and they finally clashed on June 28th at Monmouth Courthouse, a battle which the Patriots won.
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French and American forces surround and capture Newport, Rhode Island from the British army
