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Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. On June 7, 1776 a motion of was introduced in the Congress for the Independence of United States. Some colonies were thought to be not ready for the Declaration. Thomas Jefferson was given the responsibility to draft a Declaration of Independence. On July 4th, 1776 the Declaration of Independence was publish officially. -
New York occupied by the British unopposed
The preparation of occupying New York started even before the Battle of Bunker Hill. George Washington had 19,000 troops ready for battle in New York. But most of the soldiers were less experienced and they were ill equipped. The British, led by General Howe easily occupied New York with little to no effort. In November he managed to make George Washington leave New York & New Jersey. -
Treaty of DeWitt's Corner
The British Crowned threatened that it will influence the Cherokees to revolt against the new government. The Northern tribes were joined by them to raid frontier settlements to push settlers from their lands. The British attack failed on Sullivan’s Island and left the Cherokee on their own. The Carolinians brutally responded by destroying their towns. The Treaty of Dewitt’s Corner ended this internal battle. -
The First Official American Flag
The Congress didn’t recognize an official independent American flag for one year since the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin flew the Flag of the British East India Company as an endorsement as the Company and the Continental Congress has similar interests against the Great Britain. Although the colonists flew the Company’s flag, it was not a flag that carried an American identity. For that reason many groups carried many flags. On June 14th, 1777 the Flag Resolution was passed. -
French Allianced Signed and US Independence thereby Recognized by France
This alliance was based on the Model Treaty which was drafted in 1776. It was drafted to gain foreign alliances to have international support in the Independence of the United States. France also had rivalry with Great Britain as they lost much of their land in the French & Indian war. The treaty’s purpose was to ensure a joint military action in case there was any military tension between France and Britain. Through this treaty France officially recognized the independence of United States. -
Valley Forge Left by Washington’s Army
Washington took his tired, ill and battle worn army into Valley Forge. The winter weather was brutal and there was a shortage of food. Farmers wouldn’t provide crops to make profit. But soon in March, General Nathanael Greene was appointed head of the dismal Commissary Department which resulted in the delivery of supplies and food. Threadbare troops transformed into a fighting force by a mercenary. Soon a stronger army was ready to fight the British and left Valley Forge. -
The Attempt to Seige Newport, RI
On this day France’s navy fleet and America’s ground force attempt to seige Newport, RI. Due to bad weather & the delays by the land troops, this attempt resulted in a failure. The French fleet endured damage due to the weather. That is why they had to sail to Boston for repair. Some blame D’Estaing for abandoning the Americans because it is thought that he felt offended when the American ranking officer took a move without consulting him. -
Arrival of the French military to help America man troops in Newport, RI
5,000 to 6,000 brave French men arrived in Newport, RI and they were being commanded by Rochambeau. Although the French were there to help, Americans of Newport didn’t greet them with a welcoming gesture due to previous experience with D’Estaing. Rochambeau gained American trust and by repaying the Americans with silver for every service he and his crew obtained. Soon General George Washington sent welcoming officers. Thus, Rochambeau became a hero in the American Revolutionary War. -
Arrest of John André
The British knew that if West Point was taken, Hudson River would be taken from colonials and Washington would be forced to retreat to New Jersey. John André, being the adjutant general, worked with traitor General Arnold to make sure West Point gets captured by the British. But André was captured just before the plan could be executed and Washington was notified. Arnold was able to evade the arrest warrant. But André was captured on September 23rd, 1780 on his way to join the British forces. -
Nathanael Greene Becomes Commander of the Southern Army
The South had three commanders and they failed miserably. Their failure left the South at such a vulnerable state that it was a daunting challenge to fight the best of the bests British General. That is when Nathanael Greene was appointed commander of the South. His Army was small and inexperienced. Under Greene’s leadership, the Southern Army fought the British with great bravery and ingeniousness. Greene’s small Army made sudden attacks on the British Army and then retreat to decide them. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation served as the first written constitution of the United States. It created a weak central government but it still managed to unite the 13 colonies. This constitution gave the central government power to a higher but not full extent to prevent the individual states from creating any of their own foreign diplomacy. It gave the 13 States the right to prevent any change of the constitution if necessary. Laws couldn’t be passed either without approval of 9 states. -
Cornwallis Surrenders in Yorktown, VA
Cornwallis was cornered in sea and ground although 7,000 British men were sent to rescue him which was too late. He surrendered on October 19th, 1781 to the French and Americans. He couldn’t attend the surrender ceremony because he claimed to be ill but his second in command attended the ceremony to carry his sword to the American and French forces. The British band played “The World Turned Upside Down” as their troops were surrendering. Thus the American Revolutionary War came to an end.
