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Benjamin Franklin represents the colonies
Benjamin Franklin, a respected man, helped win the repeal of the stamp act. -
First Continental Congress meets
All colonies but Georgia have representatives. They voted to send a "statement of grievances" and boycott all British Trade. Patrick Henry - VA rep urged colonists to unite against Britain. -
Battle of Concord
The British arrived at Concord. There was a large group of minutemen waiting at the North Bridge, the British suffered a quick defeat. 174 people were injured and 73 were dead. -
Battle of Lexington
The redcoats approached Lexington and ran into 70 minutemen. Both sides started shooting and it ended with 8 minutemen dead. -
British sends troops
Several thousand troops were in Boston, British general Thomas Gage seized the weapons and arrested the leaders. -
British on the move
Warren walked through Boston and saw troops marching out of the city. He warned the Sons of Liberty then spread the word. -
Fort Ticonderoga surrenders
Arnold's group of 400 people and Ethan Allen of nearby Vermont planned to attack the fort. They grouped together and approached Fort Ticonderoga causing their surrender. -
The Second Continental Congress
The Continental Congress decided to meet again if the British did not address their complaints. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
With the British in control of the city, militia was commanded by William Prescott to set up posts across from Boston. The redcoats camped at Breed's Hill then charged. The British and Americans shot each other until the Americans ran out of ammo. -
Washington reached Boston
Washington began turning civilians into soldiers. -
"Common Sense" Published
Thomas Paine published a pamphlet called Common Sense that called for a break in British rule. -
Lee's resolution for independence
Twelve colonies voted for independence, New York did not vote but showed support. -
Delegates approved the document
56 delegated signed the document announcing the birth of the United States. -
Arnold became a traitor to the Patriot cause
Arnold, the captain of the Connecticut militia, betrayed the Patriots. He gave military information to the British then commanded British troops to raid the Americans.