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1st Continental Congress
Met right after the Coercive Acts and issued a Declaration of Rights in response to it. -
Lexington and Concord
The first battle between the British and the colonists; where there was the "shot heard around the world". The British had heavier casualties than the colonists. -
2nd Continental Congress
Officially created the Continental Army, and made George Washington the general of it. This gives the patriots an official army now. -
Battle of Fort Ticonderoga
Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen team up and attack Fort Ticonderoga at dawn, catching the British off guard and capturing the fort successfully. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
While the patriots had the higher ground, but the British had higher numbers and the patriots eventually lost all their ammunition, forcing them to retreat. The British won the battle, but with heavy casualties. -
Olive Branch Petition
A last ditch effort to stop the brewing war, sent by the colonists. However, it fails, and the war happens anyway. -
"Common Sense"
A book written by Thomas Paine talking about why America should be independent from the British. It sold many copies. -
Declaration of Independence
A document written by Thomas Jefferson stating our independence from the British. 56 people signed it. -
Battle of New York
This was a British victory because there were so many men, but Washington managed to retreat from New York, but it meant New York was under British control now. -
Washington's Crossing
Washington crossed the Delaware River overnight so he could sneak up on the Hessians in Trenton the following morning, surprise attack them and steal their supplies. This ended up working well and boosted the mens' morale. -
Valley Forge
A rough winter for George Washington and his army. It was cold and wet, and the patriots didn't have enough supplies to last through it. They had little food and little to no blankets. Starvation, hypothermia and disease were common that winter. -
Battle of Saratoga
Considered the turning point of the war, it was a definite American victory, as they captured a majority of Burgoyne's men and inspired the French to join them in the war. -
Battle of Yorktown
When the American and the French teamed up on Yorktown, making the British surrender after three weeks, and not only won the battle, but won the war as well. -
Treaty of Paris
The treaty that showed the British surrendering and making America a free country at last!