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Continental Congress
The continental congress was when 55 delegates came together in Philadelphia to set up a political body that would challenge British control and to represent the Americans. The only leader from the 13 colonies that did not show up to the meetings was from Georgia. Patrick Henry, a defender of colonial rights wanted to bring together all of the colonies to resist Britain. The 55 delegates created a militia to protect themselves. -
1,000's of Redcoats in Boston
Some militia's were called minuteman because they said that they would be ready/able to fight within a minute's notice. General Gage brought thousands of British soldiers to Boston with many more on the way. General Gage found out that the militia story ammunition in Concord and he ordered his troops to destroy it. -
Midnight ride of Paul Revere
A colonial protest leader (Dr. Joseph Warren) was walking through Boston looking for any unusual activity and saw the troops marching out of Boston. He notified Paul Revere and William Dawes (members of the Sons of Liberty). After hearing this, the two men went out to Lexington to give warnings about what was to come. After getting the warning Samuel Adams stated, "what a glorious morning this is," meaning he was ready to fight. -
Battles of Lexington & Concord
Battle of Lexington
It is the 1st battle of the American Revolutionary war. It is considered the shot heard around the world. The British won.
Battle of Concord
Americans stopped British and forced the to retreat back to Boston. -
Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
-Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen capture the fort
-Get all supplies in the fort, including cannons
American Won -
Second Continental Congress meet
Some of the people at this meeting were John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and George Washington (all delegates who came to the first meet). Some new delegates came as well.
At this meeting they printed money, set up post office, created continental army led by George Washington, sent Olive Branch asking the Kind to protect their rights (which was rejected.) In response, the king hired 30,000 Hessian Soldiers in response. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The battle of Bunker Hill was fought on Breed's Hill. William Prescott stated to his men. "don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." The British ended up winning (America ran out of ammunition. During this, the British learn that defeating the Americans would not be easy. -
Washington Arrives on Outskirts of Boston with Continental Troops
George Washington realized that his men were disorganized and needed disciplined. He also realized that they needed weapons. -
"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine's pamphlet inspired more colonists to become patriots. A quote he said was, "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
-Washington believes his army is ready and the weapons arrive.
-Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston
-British retreat = AMERICAN Victory -
Second Continental Congress
-Debate on declaring independence
-Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document -
Second Continental Congress votes for Independence
-All 13 colonies votes yes on declaring independence -
The Declarations of Independence is Signed
The Declaration of Independence is signed.