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Continetal Congress Meets
All colonies except Georgia have representatives Voted to send a "Statement of Grievances" Voted to boycott all British trade Patrick Henry- VA rep. urged colonists to unite against britain -
1,000 Redcoats in Boston
General Gage brings thousands of British soldiers to Boston with more on the way. -
Midnight Ride of Paul Revere
Paul Revere rids to warn the Sons of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are Coming... The British are coming." -
Battle of Lexington and Concord
Battle of Lexington-
-1st battle of the American Revolutionary War.
- "Shot heard around 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
Benedict Arnold and 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 Hessian soldiers in response
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Battle of Bunker Hill
Fought on Breed's Hill "Don't fire until you see the whites of the eyes"- William Prescott British Victory (Americans ran out of Ammunition) British learn defeating Americans will NOT be easy. -
Washington arrives on outskirts of Boston with Continental Troops
- Realizes men are disorganized & need discipline.
- Need weapons
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"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine
Pamphlet inspires more colonists to become patriots "Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for seperation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries. ..." -
British surrender Boston
- Washington believes his army is ready & weapons arrive
- Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking boston.
- British retreat- AMERICAN VICTORY
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Second Continental Congress meet again
- Debate on declaring independence.
- Thomas Jefferson is the primary Author of the document.
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Second Continental Congress votes for Independence.
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The Declaration of Independence is signed!!
