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Battle at Lexington and Concord
“To John Currier Capt of a militerry foot Company in Amesbury this Day I have received intiligence that the ministeriel troops under the Command of General Gage did Last evening march out of Boston and marched to Lexington & there Killed a Number of our American Soldiers & thence proceed to Concord Killing and Destroying our men and interest. These are therefore to Order you forthwith to Mobilize and muster as many of your under officers and Soldiers as you can possible to meet immediatly to Some Suitable place: and then to march of forthwith to Concord or Else where as in your Descretion you Shall think best to the reliefe of our Friend and Country…” -Isaac Merrill (The Battles of)“These particulars are now published in this cheap form, at the request of the friends of the deceased WORTHIS, who died gloriously fighting in the cause of liberty and their country, and it is their sincere desire that every Householder in the country, who are sincere well-wishers to America, may be possessed of the same, either to frame and glass, or otherwise to preserve in their houses, not only as a Token of Gratitude to the memory of the Deceased Forty Persons, but as a perpetual memorial of that important even, on which, perhaps, may depend on the future Freedom of Greatness of the Commonwealth of America.” -Russell (The Battles of Lexington)This battle marked the beginning of the Revolutionary War. It is considered the first battle between the Patriots and British Army. The British Army was on the way to confiscate weapons and supplies from the Patriots in Concord when they came into contact with American resistance. They two groups faced off each holding their ground until a shot was fired from an unknown origin. After "the shot heard round the world" was fired, a battle broke out between the Patriots and the British Army. -
Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
During this meeting it was decided that an official Continental Army was necessary and that this army needed a Commander named to lead the fight against the British for American Independence. This domestic act established an official beginning and backing of the war by the American colonies. (The Second Continental Congress) -
The Green Mountain Boys
The Green Mountain Boys assisted the Continental Army in taking Fort Ticonderoga for the Americans. They assisted in the fighting and backed up the Army for a win against the British. (The Battle of Ticonderoga) -
Washington as Commander
On this date George Washington was named commander of the Army. Without him the outcome of the Revolutionary War may not have looked the same. Washington was a significant and semi experienced war man who led the Continental Army to victory over the British. (Primary Documents in American History) -
Battle of Quebec
“By this time the enemy, relieved from the other attack, by our troops being drawn off, directed their whole force against this detachment, and a party sallying out from Palace gate, attacked them in the rear. These brave men sustained the whole force of the garrison for three hours, but finding themselves hemmed in, and no hopes of relief, they were obliged to yield to numbers, and the advantageous situation the garrison had over them.” “After this unfortunate repulse, the remainder of the army retired about eight miles from the city, where they have posted themselves advantageously, and are continuing the blockade, waiting for the reinforcements which are now on their march to join them.” (Diary of the American Revolution) This battle was the first major defeat that the Continental Army suffered. British Troops had moved up north to Canada and Washington feared that they would establish a strong base out of the north. It was the hope of the Patriots to overtake the city and receive assistance from the French-Canadians in their effort to remove the British. The British won resulting in heavy loss of life for the Continental Army. (Battle of Quebec) -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine published this book stating all the reasons of why the American colonies needed to support the Continental Army in the war. His arguments were straightforward and simple for the American people to understand. This literature boosted support for the war effort and gave people an understanding for the reasoning behind it. (Thomas Paine's Common Sense) -
Battle of Princeton
“From the best Information I have received, Genl. Howe has left no Men either at Trenton or Princeton; the truth of this I am endeavouring to ascertain that I may regulate my movements accordingly. The Militia are taking Spirit, and, I am told, are coming in fast from this State” -George Washington (Washington Describes Victory)This battle was the third in a series of wins following American defeat during the New York campaigns. It served as a moral booster and gave the Continental Army confidence. It was the last battle before the armies set up camp for the winter, so the win at this battle allowed the Continental Army to end on a win for the season. -
French Alliance
The French officially allied with the United States against Britain in the Revolutionary War. This meant that French Troops and the French Navy would assist the American efforts to win the war and independence from Great Britain. (France Allied) -
The Spinning Mule
The invention of the spinning mule made the production of yarn and textiles easier and more time effective. This allowed the American textile market to grow and also supplied the Continental Army with the textiles needed for uniforms. -
French Troops Arrive
Six thousand soldiers from France arrived to back up the Continental Army. They assisted in fighting against the British. (US History Timeline) -
French Navy at the Chesapeake Bay
The French fleet assisted the Continental Army by driving the British Navy out of the Chesapeake Bay. The British were outnumbered by the French and had to retreat further north for backup leaving the French and Americans now in control of the bay. (The History Place) -
Battle of Yorktown
“Several flags pass and repass now even without the drum. Had we not seen the drummer in his red coat when he first mounted, he might have beat away till doomsday. The constant firing was too much for the sound of a single drum; but when the firing ceased, I thought I never heard a drum equal to it-the most delightful music to us all” “Our division man the lines again. All is quiet. Articles of capitulation signed; detachments of French and Americans take possession of British forts.”(Ebenezer Denny 1781) This was the final battle of the Revolutionary War. The Continental Army had General Cornwallis and the British Army surrounded. The British surrendered ending the War with victory and Independence for America.