Mrs. Brown's American History Class: Victoria Muchmaker Am Rev

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

First Continental CongressThe First Continental Congress was held on September 5, 1774, and went until October 26, 1774, in Pennsylvania. It was held because the colonists were upset about the Intolerable Acts and the taxes put in place by King George III. The Congress met in secret because they did not want Britain to know they were meeting. The Point of the meeting was to discuss unfair treatment from Britain, what relationship the colonies should have with Britain, and what colonists' rights should be.

Lexington and Concord

Apr 20, 1775

sourcevideoBritish troops were sent out in the middle of the night on April 19, 1775. Their plain was to arrack Lexington and capture Sam Adams and John Hancock and then attack Concord where they could steal gunpowder. The plan was overheard by the colonists and men riding on horseback including Paul Revere road ahead to warn the people. Men known as minutemen were ready to protect their cities. They were outnumbered and defeated but this event lead to the Revolution.

Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

sourceThe second Continental Congress met after the battle of Lexington and Concord. Many of the colonists were still angry with the British; some wanting independence and some still uneasy about the idea. New delegates included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and John Hancock. They appointed the Commander and Chief George Washington and made the Continental Army for all 13 of the colonies.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 17, 1775

source A British force of 1500 men landed on Charlestown Heights in Massachusetts hoping to lead a surprise attack on the rebels. The American strategy was to wait until the British were very close to fight. The British were eventually able to defeat the colonists in this battle but not without great loses. An estimated 440 American soldiers were killed or hurt where as 1500 British soldiers were killed or hurt.

The Olive Branch Petition

Jul 5, 1775

sourceOfficial CopyThe Olive Branch Petition was a letter to King George III by the delegates at the Second Continental Congress. It was a letter asking for a last chance of peace without war. The King paid no attention to the letter and the Revolutionary War soon followed.

Common Sense Published

Jan 9, 1776

SourceCopy of Common SenseThomas Paine published his pamphlet which argued for the independence of America. It was considered one of the most influential pamphlets in American History. It worked on average citizens and political leaders to the side of rebellion. It spoke badly of King George and that it was time for America to separate themselves from Britain.

Declatation of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

Copy of Declatation of IndependenceSourceThe declaration of Independence is one of the most important and well known symbols of American liberty. All of the thirteen colonies signed the draft written by Thomas Jefferson. It represented America’s hard and long struggle for their independence and separation from Britain. Every year July 4th is celebrated as American Independence Day.

Trenton

Dec 26, 1776

Map SourceThis was a surprise attack planned by George Washington in the early hours of December 26th, the day after Christmas. This attack was planned on this day because Washington knew that it would not have been suspected; that everyone would be celebrating Christmas. The Americans surprised the enemy, capturing 918 British soldiers. The Americans needed this win because they were starting to doubt if they would ever win this war.

Princeton

Jan 3, 1777

Source
The battle of Princeton took place in New Jersey. It was another amazing victory for the Americans and fed the hope that they all desired to keep fighting for their independence. George Washington let the 4500 soldiers into battle. In the end they captured around 280 British soldiers and sealed the win.

Saratoga

Oct 7, 1777

Source
There were many battles at Saratoga. The first one was September 19th and they went on until October 7th. The Americans lost the first battle as a result of good planning by the British General John Bergoyne. However, the next battle was one by the Americans and the British were forced to surrender.

Valley Forge

Period: Dec 1, 1777 to Jun 1, 1778

SourceValley Forge was a base camp just outside of Pennsylvania, for the American Continental Army. The soldiers had a difficult time here as supplies were very limited, there was a shortage of food, shelter and basic necessities. They had very little money to buy anything they needed.

Savannah

Dec 29, 1778

SourseThe battle of Savannah was a big defeat for the Americans. The British needed to get back their control after they were defeated so many times. 3100 men were sent to capture Savannah and this far outnumbered the Americans who were there. The British took Savannah with over 500 captured, killed or injured.

Charlestown

Mar 29, 1780

SourceCharlestown was another loss for the southern American colonies. It was close to the end of the revolution and lasted over six weeks. The British had over double the amount of soldiers and much better supplies. Major General Benjamin Lincoln was forced to surrender.

Yorktown

Dec 17, 1781

SourseThe battle of Yorktown started in 1777 and lasted until 1781. George Washington planned the surprise attack on the British troops stationed in Yorktown, Virgina. The British were lead to believe they were coming to New York, so they were not prepared for the attack. They were unable to get reinforcements and had to surrender. This ended the American Revolution.

Treaty of Paris

Sep 3, 1783

SourceCopy of TreatyThe Treaty of Paris was signed to declare the end of the American Revolution. All of the countries involved had to agree to many terms. One of the conditions was the huge expansion of the United States. The treaty was between Britain, America, Spain, the Netherlands and France. It was the official founding of the United States of America.