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THE CONTINENTAL CONGRESS
Jefferson and the Continental Congress
Over 17 days, Thomas Jefferson writes what will become the mission statement for a revolution and a new nation: the Declaration of Independence. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/the-continental-congress -
Intolerable Acts
Intolerable Acts, also called Coercive Acts, (1774), in U.S. colonial history, four punitive measures enacted by the British Parliament in retaliation for acts of colonial defiance, together with the Quebec Act establishing a new administration for the territory ceded to Britain after the French and Indian War (1754–63). https://www.britannica.com/event/Intolerable-Acts -
New England Restraining Act
Hoping to keep the New England colonies dependent on the British, King George III formally endorses the New England Restraining Act on this day in 1775. The New England Restraining Act required New England colonies to trade exclusively with Great Britain as of July 1. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/king-george-endorses-new-england-restraining-act -
Battle of Lexington & Concord
Fought on April, 19, 1775, when British troops are sent to confiscate colonial weapons, they run into an untrained and angry militia. This ragtag army defeats 700 British soldiers and the surprise victory bolsters their confidence for the war ahead. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battles-of-lexington-and-concord -
Battle of Bunker Hill
On June 17, 1775, early in the Revolutionary War (1775-83), the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Despite their loss, the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant casualties on the enemy, and the battle provided them with an important boost of confidence. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-bunker-hill -
Olive Branch Petition
On this day in 1775, the Continental Congress adopts the Olive Branch Petition, written by John Dickinson, which appeals directly to King George III and expresses hope for reconciliation between the colonies and Great Britain. Dickinson, who hoped desperately to avoid a final break with Britain, phrased colonial opposition to .” http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/congress-adopts-olive-branch-petition -
Continental Navy Created
During the American Revolution, the Continental Navy successfully preyed on British merchant shipping and won several victories over British warships. After being disbanded for several years, the United States Navy was formally established with the creation of the Department of the Navy in April 1798. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/continental-navy-established -
Common Sense Published
On this day in 1776, writer Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet “Common Sense,” setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. Although little used today, pamphlets were an important medium for the spread of ideas in the 16th through 19th centuries. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/thomas-paine-publishes-common-sense -
British Evacuate Boston
On this day in 1776, British forces are forced to evacuate Boston following General George Washington’s successful placement of fortifications and cannons on Dorchester Heights, which overlooks the city from the south. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/british-evacuate-boston -
Congress Declares Independence
On this day in 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Continental Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, which proclaims the independence of a new United States of America from Great Britain and its king. The declaration came 442 days after the first shots of the American Revolution were fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/american-colonies-declare-independence -
Battle of Long Island
On August 27, 1776 the British Army successfully moved against the American Continental Army led by George Washington. The battlewas part of aBritish campaign to seize control of New York and thereby isolate New England from the rest of the colonies. Washington’s defeat could have led to the surrender of his entire force, but his ingenuity instead allowed him to escape and continue the fight. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-long-island -
Battle of Fort Washington
On this day in 1776, Hessian Lieutenant General Wilhelm von Knyphausen and a force of 3,000 Hessian mercenaries and 5,000 Redcoats lay siege to Fort Washington at the northern end and highest point of Manhattan Island. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fort-washington-is-captured -
Battle of Saratoga (Freeman's Farm)
Fought eighteen days apart in the fall of 1777, the two Battles of Saratoga were a turning point in the American Revolution. On September 19th, British General John Burgoyne achieved a small, but costly victory over American forces led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-saratoga -
Battle of Germantown
At the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777, during the American Revolution, British forces in Pennsylvania defeated the American Continental Army under General George Washington (1732-99). After capturing Philadelphia in September 1777, British General William Howe (1729-1814) camped a large contingent of his troops at nearby Germantown.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/battle-of-germantown -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris of 1783, negotiated between the United States and Great Britain, ended the revolutionary war and recognized American independence. The Continental Congress named a five-member commission to negotiate a treaty–John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Laurens.
http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/treaty-of-paris
