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Battles of Lexington and Concord
The first battles of the Revolutionary war begin. As hundreds of British soldiers travel to Concord to seize arms they are attacked by colonial militiamen. Paul Revere and others warned them of the arrival of the British. -
Meeting of the Second Colonial Congress
After the First Colonial Congress ended the delegates agreed to meet again after the battle of Lexington and Concord. This Second Congress managed the Revolutionary war, raising armies, and strategizing battles. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The British defeat the Americans at Bunker Hill. Despite the defeat, the American's were confident that they would win in the end because they caused a lot of the British to die. -
Failed Seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
Colonel Benedict Arnold and General Richard Montgomery attacked Quebec to try to gain support for the Americans in Canada. The attacked failed and Montgomery died. -
Common Sense Published
A pamphlet written by Thomas Paine which helped to unify the colonies and turn this Colonial squabble into a revolution. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The Continental Congress drafted and signed a formal statement of the colonies intentions mostly written by Thomas Jefferson -
Battle of Trenton
Washington defeated a formidable garrison of Hessian mercenaries. This helped to boost the morale of the colonies army and militias. -
Battle of Saratoga
The two battles of Saratoga the British defeated the colonial armies. It was a small but, costly victory. The second battle the British were defeated and forced to retreat. This is when the French joined the war as allies to the colonial army. -
Paoli Massacre (Battle of Paoli)
The Red Coats kill the sleeping Americans in the bloodiest battle of the Revolution with swords and bayonets. Nearly 200 Americans troops were killed or wounded. -
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Washington's Encampment at Valley Forge
After losing two battles in a row the approximately 12,000 American troops led by George Washington. They were discouraged and nearly starved but, used the next six months to regroup.