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 a Boycott all British Trade.
Patrick Henry VA rep. urged colonists to unite against britain

1000'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.."

Battetles of Lexington & Concord

Apr 19, 1775

Battles of Lexington-
-1st battle of american Revolutionary War
-"shot herd 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 captured the fort
Get all supplies in the fort including cannons.
AMERICAN victory.

Second Continental Congress meet

May 10, 1775

print $$$
Set up office
create Continental Army led by Gorge Washington
Sent Olive Branch asking king to protect there 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 there 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

realizes men are disorganized and need discipline
needs weapons

"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

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 sence

Britsh surrender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

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

Second Continental Congress Meet agian

Jun 15, 1776

Debate on declaring independence
Thomas Jefferson is the primary 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 5, 1776