Road To Revolution 5.3 & 5.4

1st. Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

Every one of the 13 colonies attended except for Georgia. Some people who attended were Samuel Adams, John Adams, John Jay, George Washington, Richard Henry, Lee Henry, Patrick Henry. Wanted to come together and become Americans. They voted on the statement of Grievances. Also voted to boycott all British trade.

1000's of Redcoats in Bostan

Apr 1, 1775

Colonist thought fighting would start in New England. General Gage brought over 1000 British Soldiers and more on the way. General Gage had orders to seize the weapons from the Massachusetts militia and arrest the leaders. He ordered 700 troops under Lieutenant Colonel Francis Smith to seize and destroy all the artillery and ammunition you can find.

Midnight Ride Of Paul Revere

Apr 18, 1775

Revere galloped across the Lexington and Concord, shouting his warning of the approaching troops. Samuel Adams was ready to fight

Battles of Lexington & Concord

Apr 19, 1775

First Battle of the Revolutionary War. The British took heavy losses. They began to retreat back to Boston. Colonists hid behind trees and fired on the soldiers. By the time the redcoats reached Boston, at least 174 were wounded and 73 were dead. The Americans at Lexington and Concord had fired the "shot heard 'round the world." The battle for independence had begun.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen capture fort. They stole all the supplies including cannons. Americans won.

2nd Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

Among them were John and Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and George Washington Several new delegates came as well. New delegate were Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson. It would be another year before Jefferson would write the Declaration of Independence. Goals, print $$$, set up Post Office, created Continental Army lead by Washington. Sent Olive Branch asking king to protect rights. The King hires 30,000 Soldiers.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

Fought on Breeds hill. Don't fire till you see the whites of their eyes. - William Prescott. British Victory ( Americans ran out of ammunition. British learned that winning would not be easy.

Washington arrives on outskirts of Boston with Continental Troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realized men were disorganized and lacked discipline. Needed weapons

"Common Sence" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

Pamphlet inspires more colonist to become patriots. "Every thing that is right of reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, TIS TIME TO PART" -Thomas Paine

British Surrender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

Washington believes his army is ready. Weapons arrive. Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston. British retreat Americans win.

2nd Continental Congress meet again

Jun 15, 1776

Debate on declaring Independence. Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document.

2nd Continental Congress votes for independence

Jul 2, 1776

All 13 colonies vote YES on declaring independence

Declaration of Independence is signed

Jul 4, 1776

YAY