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"Common Sense"
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is published in Philadelphia. The 50 page pamphlet is highly critical of King George III and attacks allegiance to Monarchy in principle while providing strong arguments for American independence. It becomes an instant best-seller in America. "We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world," Paine states. - TheHistoryPlace.com -
Suppress Open Rebellion
Massachusetts Governor Gage is secretly ordered by the British to enforce the Coercive Acts and suppress "open rebellion" among colonists by using all necessary force. - The History Place -
British Soldiers destroy colonists' weapns depot
General Gage orders 700 British soldiers to Concord to destroy the colonists' weapons depot. -
Paul Revere's Ride
That night, Paul Revere and William Dawes are sent from Boston to warn colonists. Revere reaches Lexington about midnight and warns Sam Adams and John Hancock who are hiding out there. -
Shot Heard Around The World
At dawn about 70 armed Massachusetts militiamen stand face to face on Lexington Green with the British advance guard. An unordered 'shot heard around the world' begins the American Revolution. -The History Place.com -
Fort Ticonderoga
American forces led by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold capture Fort Ticonderoga in New York. The fort contains a much needed supply of military equipment including cannons which are then hauled to Boston by ox teams. -TheHistoryPlace.com -
George Washington takes command
At Cambridge, Massachusetts, George Washington takes command of the Continental Army which now has about 17,000 men. -TheHistoryPlace.com -
Ben Franklin - Postmaster General
An American Post Office is established with Ben Franklin as Postmaster General. - TheHistoryPlace.com -
New Hampshire
The assembly of New Hampshire adopts the first American state constitution. - TheHistoryPlace.com -
US Declaration of Independence
United States Declaration of Independence-TheHistoryPlace.com
