Road to Independence

Continental Congress first meeting

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies but Georgia have representatives. Sent a statement of grievances. Voted to boycott British goods. Patrick Henry states to unite against Britain.

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 warns the sons of liberty at Lexington and Concord of the British approach.

Battles of Lexington & Concord

Apr 19, 1775

The battle of Lexington was the first battle of the revolution. The British won. The battle for Concord ended in a colonist victory causing the British to retreat to Boston.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen capture the fort
Get all supplies from the fort including cannons
AMERICAN victory

Second continental congress meeting

May 10, 1775

Print $$$$, set up a post office, and made the continental army led by George Washington. Sent Olive Branch asking the king to protect their rights. --King responds with more than 30,000 Hessian soldiers in response.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

Fought on breeds hill
"don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes"- William Prescott
British victory Patriots ran out of ammo British finally learn that defeating Americans would NOT be easy.

Washington reaches Boston outskirts with an army

Jul 15, 1775

Realizes that men are disorganized & need discipline. Needs weapons

"common sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

pamphlet inspires more colonists to be 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 Sense

British surrender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

Washington believes his army is ready & 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 primary author of the document.

Second continental congress votes for independence

Jul 2, 1776

All 13 colonies vote yes to declare independence.

The declaration of independence is signed!

Jul 4, 1776

FINALLY!!!!!!!