Road To independence

"Common Sense" Published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1774

Pamphlet inspires more colonists to become patriot
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.

First Continental Congress meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies but Georgia have representatives
Voted to send a statement of grievances
Vote 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 soldiers to Boston with more on the way,

Midnight ride or 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 canons
American Victory

Second Continental Congress Meets

May 10, 1775

Print Money
Set up post office
Created continental army led by George Washington
Sent olive branch asking the king to protect their rights
King hires 30,00 hessian soldiers in response

Battle Of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

fought on Breed's Hill
Don"t fire until you see the whites of their 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
Need weapons

British 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 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 on declaring independence

The Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776