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Battle of Lexington and Concord
The first military engagement of the American Revolutionary War. -
Second Continental Congress
Took place in Philadelphia; George Washington was appointed to lead a continental army -
Common Sense
Published by Thomas Paine; called for independence and a republican form of government -
Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776
Created a unicameral legislature with complete power -
Declaration of Independence
Main author was Thomas Jefferson; declared America's independence and republican government -
Battle of Long Island
General Howe of the British army defeated the Americans -
Washington crosses the Delaware
Washington crossed the Delaware River and threw a surprise attack on Trenton, NJ, forcing the surrender of 1,000 German soldiers -
Lord George Germain Launches military campaign
Planned a three-pronged attack converging on Albany, New York -
Battle of Saratoga
Patriots force Burgoyne to surrender -
Articles of Confederation
Provided a loose union in which "east state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence." -
Treaty of Alliance
Specified that once France entered the war, neither partner would sign a separate peace without the "liberty, sovereignty, and independence" of the US. -
Philipsburg Proclamation
Any slave that left their master could join the British for protection or a place in their army. -
Cornwallis surrenders
Cornwallis surrenders to the Americans -
Treaty of Paris
Great Britain formally recognized American independence and relinquished its claims to lands south of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi River. -
Shay's Rebellion
Resembled American resistance to the British Stamp Act; -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Created territories that would become Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. -
Ratification of the Constitution
Philadelphia merchants and artisans joined commercial farmers to ratify the Constitution
