Timeline: Road to Independence

Sep 5, 1774

First Continental Congress Meets.

All colonies but Georgia have representatives
Voted ti Boycott all British Trade
Patrick Henry- VA rep. urged colonialists to unite against Britain

Apr 1, 1775

1000 Redcoats in Boston

General Gage brings thousands of British solders to Boston with more on the way.

Apr 18, 1775

Midnight ride of Paul Revere

Paul Revere rides to warn The Sons Of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming The British are coming..."

Apr 19, 1775

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Battle Of Lexington
1st battle of American Revolutionary War
shot heard round the world-Ralph Waldo Emerson
BRITISH victory
Battle of Concord
Americans Stop British and force them to retreat back to Boston
AMERICAN victory

May 10, 1775

Capture Of Fort Ticonderoga

Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen capture the fort.
Get all supplies in the fort including cannons
AMERICAN victory.

May 10, 1775

Second Continental Congress meet

-Printing of money
-Set up post office
-Created Continental Army led by George Washington
- Sent Olive Branch asking King to Protect their rights
-King hires 30,000 Hessian Solders in response.

Jun 16, 1775

Battle Of Bunker Hill

Fought on Breeds Hill
"Dont fire until you see the white of their eyes."
BRITISH victory (Americans ran out of ammunition) British learn defeating Americans would NOT be easy.

Jul 15, 1775

Washington arrives on the outskirts of Boston with Continental troops

-Realizes men are disorganized and need discipline
-Need weapons

Jan 10, 1776

"Common sense" Thomas Paine

pamphlet inspires more colonist to become patriots
Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain the weeping voice of nature cries "TIS TIME TO PART"- Thomas Paine,Common sense

Mar 17, 1776

British surrender Boston

Washington believes his army is ready and weapons arrive
Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston
BRITISH retreat-AMERICAN victory