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The Enlightnement
The Enlightenment saw an intense increase in intellectual thought in Europe especially in the realm of politics. English and French philosophers considered how governments should be run typically coming to the conclusion that monarchy was inherently tyrannical. These ideas would be the underpinning of the American Revolution. -
John Locke publishes Two Treatise on Government
In this book John Locke refutes the notion that government is built on divine power granted to a monarch and instead argues that government is based on a "social contract" between the people and the government. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was one the most prominent leaders of the American revolution and specifically viewed the revolution as necessary due to his beliefs in Enlightenment ideals about the nature of government. He would be the main writer of the declaration of independence. -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
After British troops received information of caches of munitions in towns around Boston they marched on Lexington and Concord to seize them. Militiamen quickly mobilized to mount a defense against the British which was successful. This battle would effectively be the beginning of the revolutionary war. -
Second Continental Congress
The continental congress with delegates from each one of the 13 colonies meets in Philadelphia to declare independence. This congress with effectively serve as a national government for all of the 13 colonies. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
American militiamen lose the battle of Bunker Hill after British troops have a standoff with American minutemen protecting a cache of weapons outside of Boston. Despite the loss the Americans were able to harass the British army as they marched back to Boston inflicting significant damage. -
George Washington appointed commander-in-chief
George Washington is appointed as the supreme commander of the American military by congress. George Washington would lead the country through the revolution and ultimately bring victory to the colonists. -
Congress Adopts Olive Branch Petition
The olive Branch petition is adopted by congress assuring the crown that they remain loyal and only wish to have their rights as Englishmen guaranteed. The Parliament took little notice of the document and effectively ignored the pleas of the colonists. -
The Declaration of Independence
Adopted by congress in 1776 the Declaration of Independence would begin the American Revolution officially and asserted that the grievances inflicted upon the colonists at the hand of the king and parliament were too great to be tolerated. While Thomas Jefferson was the original writer the version that was adopted was heavily edited. -
Battle of Trenton
Following a series of American defeats Washington saw a need to secure a decisive American victory. He formulated a plan to cross the Delaware river on the day following Christmas hoping to catch the German mercenaries off guard. The plan succeeded and would be a major victory and boost to morale. -
Princeton
Following British defeat at Trenton General Cornwallis planned to attack Washington along the Delaware River expecting him to cross the river as he did during Trenton. Instead Washington sneaked his force further up the river and attacked the much smaller British rear guard and secured a significant victory. -
Valley Forge
George Washington and his troop would hunker down for the winter of 1777 in Valley Forge. During the winter conditions in the camp deteriorated as disease and starvation quickly ran rampant though the camp and many men abandoned the army due to the lack of pay.