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Battles of Lexington and Concord
At the first battle of the Revolution, the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired, triggering the conflict. The Americans were able to push back the British from Concord to Boston. -
Second Continental Congress
Delegates from the thirteen colonies met in Philadelphia to discuss the war effort and organization of the army, and move towards the Decleration of Independence. George Washington was named Commander of the Army in this meeting. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Located on Breeds Hill, the American encampment there is the last line of defense of Boston. After multiple tries and hundreds upon hundreds of casulaties, the British finally drove the Americans off Breeds Hill. -
"Common Sense"
Thomas Paines phamplet 'Common Sense" is published, urging Americans to take up arms against the British and declare independence. -
Declaration of Independence
After months of debate at the Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence is ratified, declaring the United States a free and sovern nation. -
Battle of Long Island
British and American forces meet at Long Island, and the winner gets to keep New York. In a three pronged attack, the British are able to surround Washington with his back to the river. Without any more options, Washington plans a daring nighttime retreat across the river into Pennsylvania. -
Battle of Harlem Heights
Generals Washingotn, Greene, and Putnam were able to hold their ground in upper Manhattan and secure Washingtons first battlefield victory of the war. -
Crossing the Delaware
Under the cover of night, Washington and his troops cross the icy Delaware river in order to surprise the Hessians at Trenton. The plan is an enormous success, as hundreds of Germans are captured. -
Battle of Princeton
After the victory at Trenton, Washington moved his army to Princeton, where he defeated British holding the city. This battle caused the British to evacuate New Jersey, and was the last battle of Washingtons New Jersey campaign for the winter. -
Lafayette Lands
French solider Lafayette lands in Philedelphia in hopes of helping the Americnas. He meets George Washington, and the two become friends. Lafayette serves under Washington for the rest of the war. -
General Howe Lands
British General Howe lands to with plans to capture Philadelphia and begin the process of cutting New England off from the rest of the colonies. -
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Battles of Saratoga
As British General Burgoyne is moving south, he is met by American resistance. Twice the British are repulsed at Freemans Farm, forcing the British to hold out for reinforcements from General Howe. -
Howe Captures Philadelphia
After a few battles on his way, General Howe is able to walk into Philadelphia basically unapossed by American forces, a huge blow to the Americans as they lose the city of their provisional government. -
Burgoyne Surrenders
After failing to defeat the Americans and recieve reinforcements, General Burgoyne is forced to surrender his troops at Saratoga, the largest victory for the Americans thus far in the war. -
Valley Forge
As winter drew near, Washington took his troops to a well defensible spot named Valley Forge for the winter. 4000 troops either die or desert in Valley Forge. -
France and the United States Unite
After the Americans prove they can contend with the British, the French and Americans sign the Treaty of Alliance, stating that France will join the war on the side of the Americans. -
Baron von Steuben
German commander Baron von Steuben comes to America to help the Americans. At Valley Forge, he drills the Americans into a more competant fighting force, one that can more than hold its own against the British. -
Clinton Replaces Howe
After Howe fails to reinforce Burgoyne who is forced to surrender his forces at Saratoga, Howe is relieved of duty and sent home to Britain in disgrace. Sir Henry Clinton replaces Howe and continues the war effort. -
Washington Leaves Valley Forge
After surviving the winter and having his men trained, Washington embarks from Valley Forge. -
British Capture Savannah
After deciding to open a campain in the south, Sir Henry Cliton embarks to Georgia and captures Savannah -
Spain Enters War
With hopes of regaining Florida and Gibraltar from the British, Spain enters the war on the side of the Americans. -
Americans Attempt to Recapture Savannah
Hopeing to push back the southern British advance, the Americans try to retake Savannah, but ultimately fail. -
British Take Charleston
Moving up the Eastern coast from Savannah, the British lay siege to and occupy Charleston, a major American port. -
Benedict Arnolds Move
After not being given credit for what he thought he desereved, Benedict Arnold switched from a Patriot to a Loyalist, almost succeding in giving West Point to the British. -
Nathanael Greenes Promotion
As the British were moving up the Eastern seaboard, Washington needed an army to combat the British threat. He promoted Nathanael Greene to command this army. -
Articles of Confederation Adopted
After it was ratified by all 13 states, the Articles of Confederation went into effect, giving the nation legitimacy in diplomatic relations with European and American Indians. -
Battle of Guilford Courthouse
After leading Cornwallis on a merry chase through much of Virginia, General Greene met Cornwallis on the battlefield. The two sides clashed at Guilfords Courthuse, where the British suffered heavy casualties, and retreated to Yorktowm. -
French Fleet Captures Chesapeake
In order to trap Cornwallis at Yorktown, the Chesapeake had to be taken. The French, who had an armada at the ready, sailed into the Chesapeake and cut off the British. -
Americans Arrive at Yorktown
In conjunction with the French Fleet, George Washinton marched his army from Rhode Island to Yorktown in secrecy and met up with other Continental contingents. Once gathered, the Americans bombarded Yorktown for six days. -
Cornwallis Surrenders
After being bombarded from land and sea and with no reinforcements in sight, Lord Cornwallis surrended his troops to Geroge Washington. -
Preliminary Peace
After seven years of fighting, the United States and Britian signed the Articles of Peace, ending fighting in North America. -
Treaty of Paris
A year after the preliminary peace, the Treaty of Paris was signed, offically ending the American Revolution. The treaty offically recognized the United States as a free and sovern country. -
Washington Resigns
After serving his country for seven years and helping to orchestrate its fight for independence, George Washington handed in his resignition and returned to Mount Vernon. -
Constitutional Convention
With the Articles of Confederation failing, delegates from all thirteen states met to draft a new law of the land. -
Constitution Signed
With the new constitution drafted, the delegates from all the states signed the document, showing their support for the new law of the land. -
Ratification of the Constitution
Needing only nine states to vote in favor of the Constitution to ratify it, New Hampshire, the ninth state, voted yes, and the Constitution was made into law.
