-
Continental Congress meets
- All colonies but Georgia have representatives.
- voted to send a "Statement of grievances"
- Voted to Boycott all British Trade.
- Patrick Henry- VA rep. urged colonist to unite against Britain.
-
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.." -
Battles of Lexington & Concord
- Battle of Lexington
- 1st battle of American Revolutionary War.
- "shot heard the world" - Ralph Waldo Emerson.
- British victory
- Battle of Concords
- Americans Stop British and force to retreat back to boston
- American Victory
-
Capture of fort Ticonderoga
- Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen Capture the fort
- get all supplies in the fort including cannons
- American victory
-
Second Continental Congress meet
- print $$$$
- Set up post office *Created continental Army led by George Washington *Sent Olive Branch asking king to protect their rights. -King hires 30,000 Hessians Soldiers in response.
-
Battle of Bunker Hill
- 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
- Realizes men are diorganized & need discipline
- Needs weapons
-
"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine
*Pamphlet inspires more colonist to become patriots.
*"every thing 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
- 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
*Debate on declaring independence.
* Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document. -
Second Continental Congress votes for Independence.
-
The Declaration of Independence is signed!
