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Battle of Lexington and Concord
This marked the outbreak of armed conflict between Great Britain and the thirteen American colonies. -
Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
This meeting in Philadelphia was after the First Continental Congress Meeting and was when delegates of the thirteen colonies got together to plot the course of war. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The British defeated the Americans at Bunker Hill in Massachusetts, but the loss gave the Americans a boost of confidence during the Siege of Boston that occurred from April 1775 through March 1776. -
Failed Seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
Americans attempted to invade Canada and rally French-Canadian support for the Patriot movement against the British. Due to strong fortifications, the Americans had to retreat before entering the city limits. Those that made it into the city couldn't see due to the blizzard and retreated, too. After the British won, Benedict Arnold tried to siege the city, but the British ended the American campaign for Canada. -
Common Sense Published
This small, political pamphlet was written by Thomas Paine and published in America. It was written in a style that most Americans could understand and outlined the arguments why the American colonies should declare independence from Great Britain. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The adoption of the Declaration of Independence was drafted by Thomas Jefferson and was the first formal statement by a nation's people asserting their right to choose their own government. -
Battle of Trenton
George Washington and his troops surprised the British and took more than 900 prisoners. This surprise attack was the reason the colonists won against the British. The victory added to the confidence of the colonists and helped with re-enlistments for the colonial army. -
Paoli Massacre (Battle of Paoli)
This was one of the bloodiest battles of the Revolutionary War. This took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. General Charles Grey and nearly 5,000 British soldiers launched a surprise attack on the small regiment of Patriot troops that were commanded by General Anthony Wayne. At least 53 Continental Army soldiers died and roughly 200 were wounded or taken prisoner during the surprise bayonet assault by the British troops. -
Battle of Saratoga
This was the turning point for the colonists in the Revolutionary War. The British were defeated by the colonists and 5,000 British soldiers surrendered. -
Washington's Encampment at Valley Forge
General George Washington and his troops won their battle for independence over the British. The American troops suffered from hunger, cold, and disease at Valley Forge, but still won.