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Lexington and Concord
The "shot heard round the world" occured in Lexington, starting the war. These were the first shots of the revolution. -
Period: to
Middle Stage of the Revolution
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Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress appointed George Washington as commanding general of the Colonial Army. They later issued the Declaration of Independence. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
This was the first major battle of the Revolution. Colonists held off the British and caused vast casualties until they ran out of ammunition and were forced to retreat. -
Failed seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
The Battle of Quebec was the first major American defeat of the war. The battle was fought to try to win support for the American cause in Canada. General Mongomery was killed in the battle. -
Common Sense Published
Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense helped to convince many Americans of the necesessity of breaking away from England. -
Adoption of The Declaration of Independence
This document declared our independence as well as our reasons for seperating from England.It is one of the most important documents in American history. -
The Battle of Trenton
Washington crossed the Delaware river to launch a surprise attack on the Hessians camped at Trenton the morning after Christmas. It was a huge success. -
Paoli Massacre
On their way to Philidelphia, the British Army launched a surprise attack on a group of men that Washington had left to harass them. It was said they took no prisoners so it became known as the Paoli Massacre because of the tavern it took place beside. -
The Battle of Saratoga
This battle proved a turning point in the war. This is because after it, foreign powers such as France allied themselves with the Americans. -
Washington encamped at Valley Forge
Washington camped at Valley Forge in December of 1777. The elements, lack of rations and shelter, as well as disease killed many men.