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Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson. The 13 colonies declared independence from Great Britain, due to the crucial and unfair events that occurred. The Sugar Act, a law passed to tax merchants, highly taxing the colonists enraging them to not want to buy the goods. Another event that lead to the Declaration of Independence was the Tea Act, passed by Parliament on May 10,1773, tea was sold to the colonists at an outrages price having the tea be sent back to Britain. -
First Public Reading of The Declaration
The first public reading took place in Philadelphia, on a Sunday July 8 at 11:30 a.m. the citizens were summoned to the State House Yard. It was a free event where everyone gathered to hear the Declaration of Independence, it was quite nerve wrecking for the congress to prepare the reading, not knowing how the people will react. After the reading everyone reacted positively, celebrating through the night. -
Victory at Lindley's Fort
Lindley's Fort played a significant role in the Revolutionary War. The war took place in South Carolina, this was a war between the Loyalists and Cherokee to gain control over South Carolina.The patriots were able to defend the attacks from the Indians and Tories, disguised as Indians -
The Battle of Harlem Heights
General George Washington was composing letter while an alarm had rung, warning everyone they were being attacked by British soldiers. Washington sent 150 rangers while the British had more soldiers, despite the huge difference the Americans had an advantage. The American soldiers had an advantage despite the ratio of the soldiers because they knew the area well unlike the British. America won the battle against Britain -
Washington crosses the Delaware
Washington decided to cross the Delaware to conduct a surprise attack upon a Hessian garrison with 5,400 soldiers in and around Trenton, New Jersey to celebrate Christmas. Washington's planned attack included 3 different crossings of the Delaware River, many soldiers failed to cross. Washington was then forced to withdraw from the town due to the many soldiers that were captured and weren't able to cross the Delaware. Washington's initiative helped increase the American colonists' spirits. -
Battle of Brandy Wine
George Washington was determined to prevent the British from capturing Philadelphia, taking positions along Brandywine Creek. Sir William Howe (British army officer who rose to become commander in chief of British forces) led a 15,500 British and Hessian army. They were called the "Redcoats" known for their uniform, hidden by the heavy fog allowing them to move to their positions ready for attack. The battle lasted hours, being undetected the British won against the American "rebels". -
Battle of Germantown
The battle of Germantown was a war between the American continental army led by George Washington and the British army led by Sir William Howe, as a contribution to the Philadelphia campaign of the American Revolutionary War. Washington decided to attack and destroy the enemy detachment at Germantown, dividing his army to attack the British from multiple directions, surrounding them. Unfortunately Washington's plan didn't work out leading the British to win, due to a heavy fog and the darkness. -
British Abandon Philadelphia
After almost 9 months 15,000 British troops under General Sir Henry Clinton evacuated Philadelphia.The British had captured Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, the Patriot government deprived British Howe's victory. As Howe and the British officers were enjoying Philadelphia, the Continental Army froze and suffered appalling deprivation at Valley Forge. Washington and his troops were aided being able to fight back the British. Once the French entered the War, the British fled avoiding conflict. -
Washington's Army Leaves Valley Forge
The 6 month period of Washington's Continental Army at Valley Forge was a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War. With help of former Prussian military officer, Friedrich Wilhelm Baron Von Steuben the army went from being battered to a unified, world class fighting force able to defeat the British force. Washington and his troop escaped keeping an eye on the British, avoiding any surprise attacks as they prepare. Months went by the Continental Army fought back but with confidence. -
The Battle of Monmouth
George Washington and General Charles Lee, attacked General Sir Henry Clinton's British army. It began as a promising opportunity developing to a potential disaster, as Washington approached the fight noticing panic stricken troops fleeing the enemy. Washington removed Lee from command, continuing his assault on the British.The British had enough but didn't allow Washington a chance to continue the fight the next morning.The British gained an advantage due to the darkness getting away. -
British Captured Charleston, SC
The loss of Charleston was a painful blow to the American cause, along with over 2,500 continental and numerous vital weapons and supplies captured. The British were convinced that the South colonies were full of American Loyalists waiting to be liberated them from Patriot rule. During the battle of gaining Charleston the British captured over 300 canons and about 6,000 muskets along with gunpowders. With less than 300 killed and wounded, British won the battle in capturing Charleston. -
Mutiny of Unpaid Pennsylvania Soldiers
1,500 soldiers were promised full pardon and the pay owed them by Continental Army in exchange for joining them, the "Redcoats". The soldiers denied them, strengthening their position in negotiations with Congress. 3 days later they came to an agreement, half of the men accepted discharges and others took bonuses for reenlistment, participating in the southern campaign. Washington executed 2 leading mutineers England soldiers causing more Americans to fight for the British than Washington. -
Articles of Confederation Adopted
The Continental Congress, the 13 states came to an agreement to adopt the constitution, the first constitution of the U.S.. It was created for urgencies during wartime originally. But, it took a few years for it to be signed due to land claims and fear of authority. Less than 5 years later after the ratification of the Articles of the Confederation Americans decided to peacefully overthrow it, replacing it. -
Congress Ratifies Preliminary Peace Treaty
The preliminary articles of peace helped with the ending of the American Revolutionary War. The treaty was negotiated between Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and John Adams with representatives of King George III of Great Britain. The British recognized American Independence gave back land to the U.S., doubling the size of the nation allowing them to expand. There were still tension between Great Britain and the U.S. over other situations that the treaty couldn't help resolve.
