-
Sons of Liberty
Samuel Adams is credited with founding this organization. The Sons of Liberty was organized to protest the passing of the Stamp Act of 1765. -
Passage of the Stamp Act
This imposed a direct tax on the colonists to help for British troops that were stationed in the colonies during the Seven Years' War. -
John Adams Defense
In court he successfully defends the British Soldiers that were accused of murder during the Boston Massacre. -
Boston Massacre
Violence broke out after a British soldier was struck with a snowball. British soldiers began firing into a crowd of civilians. Five colonists were killed during the Boston Massacre, including Crispus Attucks who was the first casualty of the American Revolution. -
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a protest against the British Parliament's Tea Act of 1773. -
Passage of the Intolerable Acts
The British Parliament passed four acts in response to the Boston Tea Party. Including the Boston Port Act, the Massachusetts Government Act, the Act for the Impartial Administration of Justice, and the Quartering Act. -
First Continental Congress Convenes
George Washington, John Adams, Patrick Henry, and Samuel Adams were delegates that met at the first continental congress in reaction to the Intolerable Acts. -
George Washington Appointed Commander
Washington was appointed Commander of the Continental Army. -
Patrick Henry's Speech
Believing that it was time for Virginia to form a militia to defend their freedom, Henry gave his famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech in a Richmond church. -
Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
He rode from Charlestown to Lexington to help fortify Boston against a possible British attack. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
This battles famous "shot heard 'round the world" kicked off the American Revolution. -
Second Continental Congress Convenes
The second continental congress was made up of delegate from the colonies, like the first continental congress. This meeting was held shortly after the Revolutionary War had begun. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
This was a bloody battle between New England soldiers and the British army. The British claimed the field but had many injured or killed. -
Publication of Common Sense
Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine in 1775-1776. He was advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the Thirteen Colonies. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and later revised in committee. -
Signing of the Declaration of Independence
There were fifty-six signatures in the Declaration of Independence including the signatures of John Adams, Samuel Adams, and Thomas Jefferson. -
Lafayette as Major General
Lafayette begins serving under George Washington as Major General of the Continental Army. -
Period: to
Washington Crosses the Delaware
Washington and the Continental Army were forced by the British to leave New York City. -
Battle of Trenton
The Battle of Trenton was fought directly after Washington's army crossed the Delaware. This battle was small, but crucial to the American Revolution. -
Period: to
Battle of Saratoga
This battle was a huge victory for the Patriots and is said to be the turning point of the American Revolution. It was also the driving force for France to enter the war against Britain. -
Period: to
Winters at Valley Forge
Washington, along with 11,000 others, took up winter quarters at Valley Forge. Although conditions were terrible, the Continental Army came back as a strong fighting force the following June. -
The French Alliance
The United States and France form an alliance. -
Period: to
Siege of Yorktown
Washington's army defeats Cornwallis' veteran army. Along with gaining this victory he secured independence for the nation. -
War is Over
The Treaty of Paris of 1783 ends the American Revolution. This recognized United States Independence and gave the United States significant western territory.