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New England Restraining Act
Parliament passed an act banning trade between the New England colonies and any other country besides Great Britain. -
Lexington and Concord
Minute Men and British troops met at Lexington, where a shot from a stray British gun lead to more British firing
The British marched on to Concord and destroyed some ammunition, but soon found the countryside swarming with militia -
John Handcock elected president of Congress
The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on May 10. John Hancock was elected president of Congress. -
George Washington named Commander in Chief
On June 15, Washington was nominated to lead the army; he accepted the next day. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine moved many to the cause of independence with his pamphlet titled “Common Sense.” -
Battle at Moore's Creek
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Adopting New Constitutions
, the Second Continental Congress recommended that the colonies establish new governments based on the authority of the people of the respective colonies rather than on the British Crown. -
Vote for Independence
Congress voted in favor of independence, -
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence was approved. -
Battle of Trention
Washington launched a surprise attack against a British fortification at Trenton, New Jersey, that was staffed by Hessian soldiers -
American Flag
Congress declared that the flag of the United States would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field with thirteen white stars. -
Saratoga
The “Convention of Saratoga” called for Burgoyne’s army to be sent back to England, and for each soldier to pledge not to serve again in the war against the colonies.