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Congress Names Commissioners to Treat with Foreign Nations
Congress sent a delegation of three men to Europe Silas Deane, Benjamin Franklin, and Arthur Lee to prepare treaties of commerce and friendship, and to attempt to secure loans from foreign nations. -
The British Evacuate Boston
American General Henry Knox arrived in Boston with cannons he had moved with great difficulty from Fort Ticonderoga, New York. Americans began to entrench themselves around Boston, planning to attack the British. British General William Howe planned an attack, but eventually retreated from Boston -
America Has a Flag
On June 14, Congress declared that the flag of the United States would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field with thirteen white stars. -
The Battle of White Plains
British and American forces met at White Plains, New York, where the British captured an important fortification. Washington once again retreated, still attempting to save his army from the full force of the British army. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine moved many to the cause of independence with his pamphlet titled "Common Sense." In a direct, simple style, he cried out against King George III and the monarchical form of government. -
The Declaration of Independence
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights -
Congress Declares Independence
After leaving Boston, British General Howe planned to use New York as a base. The British captured Staten Island and began a military build-up on Long Island in preparation for an advance on Brooklyn. Washington succeeded in saving his army by secretly retreating onto Manhattan Island. Washington eventually retreated from Manhattan, fearing the prospect of being trapped on the island, and the British occupied New York City. -
Retreat through New Jersey
Washington and his army retreated across New Jersey, crossing the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Congress, fearing a British attack on Philadelphia, fled to Baltimore. -
Battle of Trenton
On December 26, Washington launched a surprise attack against a British fortification at Trenton, New Jersey, that was staffed by Hessian soldiers. After one hour of confused fighting, the Hessians surrendered. Only five American soldiers were killed. -
Battle of Princeton
British General Howe reacted to the Battle of Trenton by sending a large force of men to New Jersey. At Princeton, Washington once again launched a surprise attack, and succeeded in defeating the British. His efforts cleared most of New Jersey of enemy forces, and greatly boosted American morale. -
Congress Calls for the Colonies to Adopt New Constitutions
In May, the Second Continental Congress recommended that the colonies establish new governments based on the authority of the people of the respective colonies rather than on the British Crown -
the bill of rights
guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual like freedom of speech, press, and religion. -
South Carolina becomes the first state to ratify the Articles of Confederation
it was the eighth of the original 13 states to join the Union. -
General George Washington made a series of strategic decisions that defeated a British
offensive, maintained control of the Hudson River, and protected critical Continental Army resources. In December 1778, Washington moved the Continental Army into winter quarters around Middlebrook, New Jersey.