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Lexington and Concord
First large battle of the Rovolution. Known as the "shot heard round the world". American forces chased British back to Boston. -
The Second Continental Congress
The Congress meets in Philedelphia to discuss independence, new military, and new government. Washington is appointed Commander of the army and the Articles of Confederation are created. -
William Howe
Howe becomes the general of the British forces in America -
Bunker Hill
American forces held their position until lack of ammunition spelled their demise. Show of American capability. -
Quebec
American forces fail in an attempt to take Quebec -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine''s "Common Sense" is published. Persuades Americans to declare independence -
Declaration of Independance
Continental Congress declares independence for America from Britain. Document authored by Thomas Jefferson -
Battle of Long Island
Washington is defeated by Howe and American army is almost surrounded. Washington and his army manage to escape to New Jersey under the cover of night. -
Trenton
Washinton crosses the Delaware to commence a surprise attack upon the Hessians at Trenton. About 1,000 Hessians captured. -
Lafayette Arrives
This French man was sympathetic to the American cause and convinced several officers to aid the Americans in their war. -
Saratoga
Forces led by Thomas Gage clashed with British forces under command of Burgoyne. While it was the tactics of Benedict Arnold that won the battle, Gage recieved the credit for the victory. this victory gave Benjamin Franklin the leverage he needed to secure an alliance with France. -
Valley Forge
Washinton's army sets up camp at Velley Forge. Few supplies made winter harsh and caused 3,000 men to die nad 1,000 to desert. A former Prussian officer by the name of Baron Von Steuben drilled the army and gave them a sense of professionalism. -
French Alliance
French and Americans sign the Treaty of Alliance. France helps patriots in their war and France gets the West Indies in exchange. -
General Replacement
British General Wiliam Howe is replaced by Henry Clinton. -
Savannah
The British occupy Savannah as part of their plan to take out the food supply and economy of the colonies. Archibald Campbell led the British Forces -
Spain joins the war
Spain declares war on Great Britain. Spanish Navy provides wall to prevent further British advance ment south -
Charleston
British forces capture the major port known as Charleston in South Carolina -
French Arrive
French forces arrive at Newport, Rhode Island -
Commander Greene
Nathanael Greene is named commander of the Sothern Army -
Articles of Confederation
the Articles are ratified -
Yorktown
While British forces in New York believe they are about to be invaded, Washington moves his army to Yorktown. General Cornwallis is force to surrender when he is surrounded by Americans and the French fleet. -
Lord North
Lord North resigns as British Prime Minister -
Treaty of Paris
Britain formally recognizes American independence -
Constitution signed
U.S. Constitution is signed -
Constitution Ratified
Constitution is adopted with New Hampshire the last to accept
