Road to Independence

The First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

Delegates from 12 colonies came together, to send a complaint about the acts to parliament. They also decided to boycott all British goods Patrick Henry urged the colonies to unite.

1,000's of Redcoats in Boston

Apr 1, 1775

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

Midnight ride of Paul Revere

Apr 18, 1775

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

Battles of Lexington & Concord

Apr 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington
-1st Battle of American Revolutionary War
-"Shot heard around the world" -Ralph Waldo Emerson
-BRITISH victory
Battle of Concord -
- Americans Stop British and force them retreat back to Boston.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen capture the fort.
Get all supplies in the fort including cannons
AMERICAN Victory

Second Continental Congress meet

May 10, 1775

Print their own money.
Set up a post office.
Created Continental Army led by George Washington.
Sent Olive Branch asking the King to protect their rights.
- King hires 30,000 Hessian Soldiers in response.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

Fought on Breed's Hill
"Don't fire until you see the white of their eyes" - William Prescott
BRITISH Victory (Americans ran out of ammunition) British learn defeating Americans would not be easy.

Washington arrives on outskirts of Boston with Continental troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realized men are disorganized & need discipline.
Needs Weapons.

"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

Pamphlet inspires more colonists to become patriots.
"Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for speration. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART" -Thomas Paine, Common Sense.

British Surrender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

Washington believes his army & weapons arrive.
Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.
BRITISH retreat - AMERICAN Victory.

Second Continental Congress meet again

Jun 15, 1776

Debate on declaring independence.
Thomas Jefferson is the primarily author of the document.

Second Continental Congress votes for Independence

Jul 2, 1776

All 13 colonies vote YES on declaring independence.

The Declaration of Independence is signed!

Jul 4, 1776