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Boston Tea Party
The people wanted the tea, but they did not want to pay the high tax to the king. The colonists were angered at being forced by Britain to accept tea from the East India Company, which was known as a monopoly. A group of colonists took it upon themselves to dump the tea before it was put ashore in Boston harbor. Disguised as Indians, the group threw over 300 chests of tea into the ocean. The colonists refused to pay any more taxes to England after the Boston Tea Party. -
Patrick Henry Speech
Patrick Henry's Speech to the Virginia Convention was considered close to trason by some, perhaps because it summed up the spiri underlying the clonist's fight to become an independant nation. -
The Shot Heard Around the World
War began with the battles of Lexington & Concord. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote the poem "Paul Revere's Ride" to re create the drama of that historic time. -
General Washington Accepts
George Washington stood before Congress snd accepeted the Appointment as Commander of the Revolutionary Army. Although he exprtessed some concerns about his ability as a general. He proved later that he was more than capable. -
Declaration of Independence
The members of the Continental Congress signed the Declaration of Independence, and the Unites States of America was born. -
Washington Defeats British at Princeton
"A second victory for Washington as his troops defeat the British at Princeton and drive them back toward New Brunswick. Washington then establishes winter quarters at Morristown, New Jersey. During the harsh winter, Washington's army shrinks to about a thousand men as enlistments expire and deserters flee the hardships. By spring, with the arrival of recruits, Washington will have 9000 men." -
Flag of the United States
The flag of the United States consisting of 13 stars and 13 white and red stripes is mandated by Congress. -
General John Burgoyne invades from Canada
"A British force of 7700 men under Gen. John Burgoyne invades from Canada, sailing down Lake Champlain toward Albany, planning to link up with Gen. Howe who will come north from New York City, thus cutting off New England from the rest of the colonies." -
Marquis de Lafayette
"Marquis de Lafayette, a 19 year old French aristocrat, arrives in Philadelphia and volunteers to serve without pay. Congress appoints him as a major general in the Continental Army. Lafayette will become one of Gen. Washington's most trusted aides." -
Treaty of Amity and Commerce and a Treaty of Alliance.
"American and French representatives sign two treaties in Paris: a Treaty of Amity and Commerce and a Treaty of Alliance. France now officially recognizes the United States and will soon become the major supplier of military supplies to Washington's army. Both countries pledge to fight until American independence is won, with neither country concluding any truce with Britain without the other's consent, and guarantee each other's possessions in America against all other powers."
