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Battles of Lexington and Concord
These were the first battles of the Revolutionary War. They were fought in the colony of Massachusetts. -
Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a group of representatives from the Thirteen Colonies that started meeting on May 10, 1775. The Second Continental Congress managed the war effort, moved slowly toward independence and adopted the Declaration of Independence. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought between the British and colonial troops mainly on Breed's Hill which was next to Bunker Hill. The British won the battle but lost many men because of death or injury. This gave hope to the colonial troops. -
Failed Seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
Colonel Benedict Arnold led a force of 1,100 Continental Army troops from Cambridge, Massachusetts to the gates of Quebec City. The colonial troops were forced to retreat after several attempts. -
Common Sense Published
Writer Thomas Paine published his pamphlet stating his arguments in favor of American independence. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The 13 American colonies broke their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence summarized the colonists’ reasons for seeking independence. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington crossed the Delaware River the night before the Battle of Trenton. The Continental Army won the battle and captured all of the Hessian soldiers. -
Battle of Saratoga
Two battles were fought, 18 days apart. The first was a British victory but the second was an American victory that convinced France to team up with the Americans. -
Paoli Massacre (Battle of Paoli)
British troops used swords and bayonets to kill the American soldiers while they slept. -
Washington’s Encampment at Valley Forge
Valley Forge is the military camp in southeastern Pennsylvania, about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia, where the American Continental Army spent the winter of 1777-78. 12,000 soldiers came into the camp. The condition of the camp was very bad. There were no supplies for shelter, food, water or clothing.
