-
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson. The declaration was based on the English philosopher, John Locke, natural rights. Jefferson described these rights as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness." The government could only do things with the people's consent. Lastly the Declaration of Independence stated that "all men are created equal." -
Battle of Long Island
The Battle of Long Island was the first major battle of the American Revolutionary War to take place after the United States declaring its Independence. This battle ended in a victory for the British and forced the Continental Army to retreat to Pennsylvania. The British remained in control of New York for the rest of the Revolutionary War. -
The Model Treaty
The Model Treaty was a template for commercial treaties that the United States Continental Congress wanted to make with France and Spain to help assist in the struggle against the British in the American Revolution. Congress approved the treaty on September 17,1776. The Model Treaty contained provisions for the supply of weapons and other indirect assistance. -
Battle of Princeton
The Battle of Princeton was fought in Princeton, New Jersey. Washington replused a British attack at the Battle of the Assunpink Creek. That night, he circled General Lord Cornwallis's army and attacked at Princeton. -
Flag Day
Flag day is on every June 14th, but why? On June 14th, 1777 the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution. The Flag Resolution was decided that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternating from red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga comprised of two significant battles. The Patriots victory at Saratoga was seen as a turning point in the war since it convinced potential foreign partners, such as France, that America could win the war. -
The Paoli Massacre
The Paoli Massacre occurred when Lord Howe, British, got word that General Anthony Wayne, American, was lurking with an ambush. Howe in response to this ambushed Wayne's unprepared camp in Paoli, September 21,1777 instead. The ambush resulted in 53 Americans killed and over 100 wounded, that night from then on became known as the Paoli Massacre. -
Battle of Germantown
At the Battle of Germantown, the British forces defeated the American Continental Army under General George Washington in Pennsylvania. This was Washington's second defeat. -
The French Alliance
On February 6,1778, the Treaty of Alliance with France was signed. This treaty created a military alliance between the United States and France against Great Britain. This was negotiated by the American diplomats Benjamin Franklin, Silas Deane and Arthur Lee. The treaty required that neither France nor the United States agree to a separate peace with Great Britain, and that American independence be a condition of any future peace agreement. -
The Battle of Wyoming
The Battle of Wyoming took place in Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania. The encounter between the Patriots and Loyalist accompanied by Iroquois raiders. More than three hundred Patriots were killed brutally by torture by the Iroquois raiders. -
The Battle of Chemung
The Battle of Chemung was a major Battle of the Sullivan Expedition. General John Sullivan led the attack ordered by the Continental Congress to end the threat of the Iroquois who sided with the British in the American Revolutionary War. -
Esther de Berdt Reed
Women helped the Patriot cause through organizations and Esther de Berdt Reed was one of these many women. In late May 1780, Washington reported to Congress about the prolonged shortages of rations, and clothing, and lack of pay were exhausting his troops, relief was greatly needed. After Esther de Berdt Reed heard about this problem she led the largest women's organization of the American Revolution called Ladies of Philadelphia which helped raise money to support the troops. -
Battle of Camden
On the morning of August 16,1780 Continental General Horatio Gates chose to engage British General Charles Cornwallis's forces even though most of his men suffered from dysentery. The illness depleted the Patriots advantage in numbers and making it an advantage for the British instead. The British won this battle resulting in nearly 2,000 Patriots killed or taken prisoner. -
Mutiny of unpaid Pennsylvania soldiers
From the Pennsylvania Line all 11 regiments under General Anthony Wayne, 1,500 soldiers insisted that there three year enlistments were expired. This resulted in the killing of three officers in a drunken rage and the abandonment of the Continental Army's winter camp at Morristown, New Jersey. -
The Ratification of the Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation was ratified by all thirteen states March 1st, 1781. The Articles created a loose confederation of sovereign States and a weak central government leading to an increase in state governments. The next day the Articles of Confederation was adopted. -
The Battle Of Yorktown
This was the most important battle of the Revolutionary War. General Washington commanded a force of 17,000 French and Continental troops while British General Lord Charles Cornwallis commanded a contingent of 9,000 British troops. The battle of the United States with France's alliance against Britian began September 28, 1781. Surprisingly the battle resulted in a victory for General Washington and surrender of Lord Cornwallis's British army on October 19, 1781. -
The Treaty of Paris
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and John Jay, appointed by the Continental Congress, gathered in Paris. They gathered together to negotiate and sign a document ending the Revolutionary War, this document was called the Treaty of Paris.
