Timeline: Road to Independence

Sep 5, 1774

First Continental Congress Meets

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

Apr 1, 1775

1000s of Redcoats in Boston

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

Apr 18, 1775

Midnight ride of Paul Revere

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

Apr 19, 1775

Battles of Lexington and COncord

Battle of Lexington- 1st battle of the 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

May 10, 1775

Second Continental Congress Meet

-Printing of money.
-Set up a post office.
-Created Continental Army led by Geroge Washington.
-Sent Olive Branch asking King to protect their rights.
-(King hires 30,000 Hessians Soldiers in response.)

Jul 15, 1775

Washington arrives on outskirts of Boston with Continental Troops

-Realizes men are disorganized and need discipline.
-Need weapons.

Jan 10, 1776

"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine

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

Mar 17, 1776

British Surrender Boston

-Washington believes his army is ready and weapons arrive.
-Washington puts cannons on Dorchester and Heights overlooking Boston.
-BRITISH retreat-AMERICAN victory.