Middle Stages of the American Revolution

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

The very first battles of the Revolutionary War. They were between the colonies' minutemen and the British Redcoats.

Meeting of the Second Continental Congree

May 10, 1775

This is when George Washington became the leader of the Continental Army.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 17, 1775

The colonists ran out of ammunition and lost this battle, but they did cause some heavy losses to the British.

Failed seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold

Dec 30, 1775

The Continental Army retreated as the British came in on them. Benedict Arnold was injured.

Common Sense Published

Jan 15, 1776

This contained reasons to separate the colonies from Great Britain.

Adoption of the Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

This formally states the reasons the colonies want to separate.

Battle of Trenton

Dec 25, 1776

This is when George Washington crossed the Delaware River. It was a win for the colonies.

Battle of Saratoga

Sep 19, 1777

This was another win for the colonists. This also persuaded the French and their allies to declare war on Britain and side with the colonists.

Paoli Massacre (Battle of Paoli

Sep 20, 1777

The British ambushed the Continental Army and succeeded to cause huge losses.

Washington's Encampment at Valley Forge

Dec 19, 1777

The Continental Army sat out a whole winter here. A lot of soliders starved and were unable to fight after due to malnutrition.