Road to Independence

First Continental Congress meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies but Georgia have representatives.
Voted to send a "statement of grievances" .
Voted to Boycott all British Trade.
Patrick Henry- VA rep. urged colonist to unite against Britain.

1,000's of Redcoats in Boston

Apr 1, 1775

General Gage brings thousands of British solders 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..."

Battle 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

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

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

Second Continual Congress meet

May 10, 1775

Print $$$
Set up office
Create Continental Army led by Gorge Washington
Sent Olive Branch asking the king to protect these rights
King hires 30000 hessian solders in response

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

Fought on Breeds Hill
"Dont Fire until you see the whites of their eye"- William Prescott.
BRITISH Victory (Americans ran out of ammunition) British learn defeating Americans would NOT be easy.

Washington arrives on outskirt of Boston with Continental troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realizes men are disorganized and need discipline
Needs weapons