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Lexington & Concord
The battles of Lexington and Concord were the starting points of the American Revolutionary War. On the 18th of April hundreds of British soldiers went to Concord to take away a collection of weapons. Many colonist ran to the stop the British Soldiers. The two groups met at Lexington, and were held at a stand off until a unknown shot was fired. After the British's attempt to light the weapons on fire, colonist hurried to North Bridge Concord. Causing many fights to occur. -
Second Continental Congress
After the battles occurred at Lexington and Concord, the Second Continental Congress met to discuss the issues involving the colonist and the revolution.John Hancock was the leader of the congress. The congress was trying to find a way for the colonist to meet the British military threat, which led to the creation of the Continental Army. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
A large number of British forces marched to Breed's Hill where many colonist were hiding waiting for their arrival. The colonist opened fire causing the British to retreat. After reforming their army to attack again, leading to the same results. On the 3rd attempt the British were able to overthrow the colonist causing them to retreat. Both sides experienced many casualties; however this was a confidence boost for the colonist. -
George Washington
George Washington was selected by the Continental Congress to be the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Washington was chosen over the other candidates because of his previous military experience, and the congress hoped electing someone from Virginia would help unite the colonies. Throughout his 8 years of service the army faced many loses; however, Washington was able to take a poorly trained army and lead them to victory. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was a final attempt by the colonist to avoid going to war with Britain. The petition had the colonist pledge their loyalty to the British crown, and beg the king to prevent any further violence until an agreement could be made. The petition explained why the colonies have recently been rebelling, but then overall saying they are still loyal to Britain. King George rejected the petition and declared the colonist to be in a state of rebellion. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was the first act by all 13 colonies to demand their independence from the British rule. This ended all political connections with Britain. The declaration stated all the reasons the colonist wanted independence from Britain. Many ideas from the Enlightenment period was included, along with John Locke's life, liberty, and property. Thomas Jefferson was one of the main writers who drafted the declaration and helped establish colonist independence. -
Battle of Trenton
George Washington and his army went to Trenton to lure the British army south. The British forces where exhausted and unprepared for Washington attack. Washington had his men divided when the British arrived to make the attack more lethal. Johnathan Rall tried to rally his troops and form a defense line, but was unable to. Rall died and the British suffered a great loss. Many died, were wounded, or captured. -
Battle of Princeton
Washington and his army had went of a night march to Princeton to take it over. Cornwall, leader of the British soldiers, was sent to defeat/capture Washington; however when he arrived Washington and his troops had left to Princeton. Washington snuck around the British camp heading north. They ran into British rear guard, which they outnumbered and defeated. -
Battle of Saratoga
The two battles of Saratoga were the turning points in the American Revolution. British General John Burgoyne won achieved a victory over the Americans. Washington had sent away some of his best men to help regroup under Horatio Gates. British eventually won the attack and took possession of the ground, Freeman's Farm. British general ignored orders to remain in his quarters, which caused the British to lose the 2nd battle and retreat. -
Valley Forge
Washington's Troops arrived in Valley Fort with little supplies, and very hungry and tired men. They had to face a harsh winter. All soldiers were ready to give up. Troops were outside of Philadelphia, where British troops were stationed. No battle was fault here. This was a time for Washington to rally his troops and unite them under one army to help with upcoming battles. After 6 months at Valley Forge the American soldiers were more ready then ever to fight Britain. -
France Treaties
representatives from the United States and France sign the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and the Treaty of Alliance in Paris. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce recognized the United States as an independent nation and encouraged trade between France and the America, while the Treaty of Alliance provided for a military alliance against Great Britain. These treaties were made to gain assistance from France so the colonist could win the war. -
Spain
Spain declared war of the British one June 21, 2779 which meant they were not in an alliance with the American colonist. Spain's king was unwilling to sign a treaty of alliance with the colonist; however they both had a common enemy. By Spain entering the war, Britain was made to spread their resources thinner. King Charles wanted to reclaim Gibraltar for Spain and secure Spanish borders in North America and the Spanish immediately fraught back. Entering the War against Britain. -
Battle of Cowpens
British were becoming to successful in South Carolina, so the colonial troops were divided in the Carolina's to force the British to fight them on multiple fronts. Tarleton had instructed the colonist to fire two rounds then leave the front lines. The British took this as a retreat and ran straight into a group of colonist waiting to fire. Many British soldiers died, resulting in another victory for the colonist. -
Siege of Yorktown
A combined force of colonial and French soldiers surrounded British soldiers at Yorktown, cutting off all British supply. The Siege of Yorktown was the final act in the Revolutionary War. With the British being surrounded, they surrender and began offering peace negotiations to the Americans. Although the Americans beat Britain and gained Independence, France continued to fight the British to regain land they lost during the French and Indian War. -
Treaty of Paris 1783
After the battle in Yorktown peace negotiations were made with Britain. The Treaty of Paris helped bring a end to the American Revolutionary War. In the Treaty the British crown finally gave Americans independence and gave up most of their land east of the Mississippi River to the United States. The treaty also offered other rights including navigation of the Mississippi River and fishing rights. All Americans who originally owed debt to Britain didn't have to pay.
