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Thomas Gage As Commander In Chief
Gage is commander in chief in North America from 1763-1775. -
Lexington And Concord
The first battle of the revolutionary war occurs. Colonial militamen, called minutemen, face off with the redcoats. The battle itself took place in Lexington,Virginia, but is normally bundled with the British search of the town of Concord, Virginia. The British were searching for rebel arms and munitions, but found almost nothing - as it was all moved by militiamen. The first shot of the battle at Lexington is commonly referred to as "The Shot Heard 'Round The World". -
Second Continental Congress First Convenes
This meeting, which took place in philadelphia, featured delegates from every one of the 13 colonies (unlike the First Continental Congress). This assembly was in charge of the war effort and the establisment of the new nation. -
Washington NAMED Leader Of Continental Army
Washington was UNANIMOUSLY voted for as the commander in chief of The Continental Army. Although Washington was formerly a British commander, he accepted the role. Washington was previously also a representative for Virginia in the First Continental Congress. -
The Battle Of Bunker Hill
The last American hold on Boston, Breed Hill, is fortified with a large dirt wall in preperation for British attack. Although the British ultimately win, they suffer many more casualties. In addition, this battle raised spirits of the fledgling revolution. -
Washington Officially Becomes Commander Of Continental Army
Washington officially assumes command of the rebel army. -
Olive Branch Petition
This is essentially a last ditch effort at compromise with the crown. The Second Continental Congress ratified it on this day. -
William Howe Becomes Commander In Chief Of British Forces In North America
After his predecessor's (Thomas Gage's) blunder at Bunker hill, William Howe becames the commander of British forces in N.A. . Howe leads a very successful campaign. Howe successfully captured NYC and the rebel capitol of Philadelphia. He only failed to capture New Jersey. -
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William Howe As Commander In Chief
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Common Sense Published
This pamphlet, written by Thomas Paine, helped convince the masses of the need to rebel. Paine relied on biblical references/allusions and simple language so as to appeal to the masses. -
Virginia Declaration Of Rights
The Virginia Declaration Of Rights, penned by George Mason, is known primarily for its significant influence on The Declaration Of Independence and The Bill Of Rights. This declaration includes content instantly recognizable to anyone who has at least read the preamble of The Constitution or The Bill Of RIghts. P.S. I recall visiting the George Mason memorial in DC, so the picture's of the memorial. It's a pretty cool memorial, I'm sure you know. -
Declaration Of Independence Adopted
The Declaration Of Independence was adopted and sent to be printed on this day. Interestingly enough, this document was not actually read to the public until 4 days later. Even later, August second, the document is famously signed by the delegates of The Second Continental Congress. The document is a formal proclamation of Independence and war from and to Great Britain. The Declaration is brilliant in that it provides -
Battle Of Long Island
British forces defeat colonial forces during this battle. Washington's army escapes back onto the mainland over night. This evactuation was only possible due to the foggy weather in the area. Washington's forces are eventually pushed all the way to Trenton, New Jersey after this battle. The entirety of NYC was occupied by September 15th. -
Crossing Of Delaware
Washington and his troops cross the Delaware from Valley Forge and surprise the Hessians. Being night of Christmas, many of the Hessians were either drunk or asleep. Unprepared, the Hessians were forced to surrender. This was a pretty large victory for the Contintental Army even though the Continental Army was illsuited for the winter at Valley Forge -
Philadelphia Campaign launched.
This campaign is initiated - In July - following the British capture of NYC. The British, under Howe, capture Philadelphia. Congress - which had was located in Philadelphia - was forced to flee to the Pennsylvanian countryside. -
Battle Of Saratoga Won By Rebels
On this day, General Burgoyne formally surrenders to the rebels. Although Benedict Arnold was realistically responsible for the victory, Horatio "Granny" Gates was credited. Arold never forgives this - which is generally cited as the reason for his treachery. This battle also represents what many people consider the turning point of the war. After Saratoga, The Continental Army enjoyed much more success than previously. -
Taxation Of Colonies Act
Repeals Townshend Acts and the taxation of tea. This is simply too little, too late. P.S.- Can't find month or day for this one. Sorry about that. -
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Henry Clinton As Commander In Chief
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Treaty Of Alliance.
After the Battle Of Saratoga, Franklin is able to convince France to join the revolutionary war as an ally. France - even though it was a monarch - fought for this republic because it opposed A) Great Britain so harshly B)Thought the continental army could win (Even though Franklin might have embellished a bit) C) They gained land out of it. Although they had been supporting the US previously, the French formally allied with the Americans with the Treaty Of Alliance. -
Redcoats Capture Savannah, Georgia
This represents the beginning of the British campaign from the - not very well defended - South. This was largely successful. The Southern Campaign aimed to hit the colonies where it really hurt...their economy. The Southern colonies grew several cash crops including tobacco. Savannah was especially important because it boasted a large port that was used to trade tobacco and rice. -
Spain Declares War On Great Britain
As part of its support of The Continental Army, Spain declares war on G.B. . "The enemy of my enemy is my friend". -
British Capture Charleston, South Carolina
In continuance with their Southern Campaign, The Redcoats capture Charleston. This capture was led by Henry Clinton - the commander in chief of North America at the time. -
Nathanael Greene Becomes Commander Of Southern Army.
Washington names Greene the commander of The Southern Continental army. Greene was previously the quartermaster of The Continental army. Greene is also known for essentially stealing supplies from civilians. Greene did eventually pay the civilains back though. -
Articles Of Confederation Adopted
The Articles Of Confederation was a document that formed a union between the 13 colonies. The union of the colonies was much looser than the union formed by The Constitution. Each state remained sovereign and the government did not have the right to tax individuals or states. The Articles Of Confederation were too loose to be effective for the governance of The United States. -
Cornwallis Surrenders At Yorktown
Outnumbered and broken down from several days of bombardment, Cornwallis finally surrenders to Washington. This surrender effectively brings the war to a close. -
Lord North Resigns From His Post As Prime Minister
North is forced to resign after the American victory at Yorktown. -
Treaty Of Paris and Versailles (Peace Of Paris)
Britain officially recognizes the United States as a sovereign nation.Treaty of Versailles officially ends hostility between France, Spain, and Great Britain. The war OFFICIALLY ends. -
Constitution Adopted/Articles Congress Dissolves
Although it has been amended 27 times since its adoption, the core ideas of The Constitution are still driving force behind many of our laws and policies. The Constitution established the seperation of powers we value so highly, the idea of state governments, and of federal government firmly in our country. This event essentially signifies the start of the country that we currently live in. Those involved in the constitution's developement include James Madison (Author) and Benjamin Franklin.
