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Battles of Lexington and Concord
The British Army went to destroy colonist guns and weapons, but were ambushed by the colonists. The British were forced back to Boston. It was the start of the Revolutionary War and was the shot heard around the world. -
Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
The second Continental Congress managed the colonial war effort. They appointed George Washington as the Commander of the Continental Army. They also adopted the Declaration of Independence. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The British Army defeated the Colonial Army outside of Boston. Even though the colonists lost, they inflicted many casualties on the British. It left the British with little troops forcing them to leave Boston. -
Failed Seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery attempted to capture Quebec. They lost badly and cost Richard Montgomery his life. This was the first major defeat of the Colonial Army. -
Common Sense Published
Common Sense was pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. It supported the cause for the thirteen colonies to declare independence from Great Britain. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Continental Congress to declare independence from Great Britain. -
Battle of Trenton
George Washington and his colonial army was able to defeat the Hessian soldiers to capture the city of Trenton, New Jersey. This occurred the morning after Washington crossed the Delaware River. -
Battle of Saratoga
This was the turning point of the Revolutionary War. John Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga on October 17. This caused France to ally with the Americans. -
Paoli Massacre (Battle of Paoli)
The Battle of Paoli was fought in Malvern, Pennsylvania as the British tried to capture Philadelphia. The British won a surprise attack and did not take any prisoners. -
Washington’s Encampment at Valley Forge
George Washington's Army camped at Valley Forge for the winter of 1777-1778. It is 18 miles Northwest of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The harsh winter conditions were horrible and killed 2,500 soldiers. The army did receive valuable training which helped them in the war.