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Battle of Lexington and Concord
British troops headed toward Concord, Massachusetts to find and destroy colonist weapons hidden there. The colonists found out about the raid and moved the weapons. Militia met the British army to stop or slow them going to Concord. This was the first shot of the American Revolution and is called the shot heard around the world. This was the beginning of the American Revolution. -
Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army and made George Washington the army commander in chief. They first made the Olive Branch petition to King George to try to make peace with Britain and help the colonists resolve problems with Britain. When the petition did not work they oversaw the war and declared independence from Britain. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Militia met on Breed's Hill outside of Boston to fight off the British soldiers that came to take over the city and surrounding area. They were going to Bunker Hill but changed to Breed's Hill because it was closer to Boston. The militia was able to make the British soldiers retreat 3 times before the British overtook Breed's Hill. The British won the battle but it was important for American morale because they were able to hold of the better trained British army. -
Failed seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
Patriot troops led by Colonel Benedict Arnold tried to capture Quebec from Britain. Britain fought back and the Patriots had to retreat. It was the first major defeat of the Patriots in the Revolutionary War. -
Common Sense Published
Thomas Paine published Common Sense to convince the people in the American Colonies that they should want independence from Britain. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written to declare independence of America from Britain and to list why the colonies were separating from British control. It was the forming of the colonies as one under its own control and government. -
Battle of Trenton
George Washington led troops to Trenton to attack a garrison of Hessian mercenaries. Washington's troops were able to attack the garrison and the Hessians surrendered. -
Battle of Saratoga
The British army attacked colonists. The Colonists were able to fight back and forced the British to retreat to Saratoga. More militia came and the British soldiers in Saratoga eventually surrendered in October 1777 -
Paoli Massacre
British soldiers made a surprise attack on Patriot troops in Paoli, Pennsylvania. They attacked the colonists at night and killed them while they were sleeping. -
Washington Encampment at Valley Forge
Washington led his troops to quarters at Valley Forge for rest during the winter. The troops did not have enough food and clothing and many became sick or died. Washington did not give up and was able to eventually get new supplies and food. He was able to train and prepare the troops to fight the British the next spring.