Road to independence

First Continental Congress meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonist but Georgia have representatives
voted to send a "statement of grivances"
Voted to boycott all British Trade
Patrick Henry - VA rep. urged colonist to unite against

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 and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

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

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen capture the fort
Get all supplies in the fort including cannons
AMERICA Victory

Second Continental Congress meet

May 10, 1775

print $$$
set up post office
Created Continental Army led George Washington
sent Olive Branch asking King to protect their right
King hires 30000 Hessians Soldiers response

Battle of Bunker hill

Jun 16, 1775

fought on Breeds Hill Map
"Dont Fire until you see the whites of their eyes" - William Prescott
BRITISH Victory British learn defeating Americans would NOT be easy.

Washington arrives on outskirts of Boston with Continental troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realizes men are disorganized and need discipline
Need weapons

Common Sense published by Tomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

pamphlet inspires more colonist to become patriots
Every thing 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

British Surrender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

Washington believes his army is ready and weapon s arrive
Washington puts cannons on Dorchester
Height overlooking Boston
British retreat AMERICAN Victory

Second Continental Congress meet again

Jun 15, 1776

Debate on declaring independence
Thomas Jefferson is the primary author or 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