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Jul 2, 776
Second Continental Congress votes for independence
All 13 colonies vote yes on declaring independence. -
First Continental Congress Meets
All colonies but Georgia had representatives.
They 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's of Redcoats In Boston
General Gage brings thousands of British soldiers to Boston with more on the way. -
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 and Concord
- Battle of Lexington - Considered as the first battle of the Revolutionary War. Referred to as the "shot heard round the world". British Victory.
- Battle of Concord - Americans stop British and force them to retreat back to Boston. American Victory.
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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
Printing their own currency.
They set up a postal service.
Create the Continental Army, led by George Washington.
Sent the Olive Branch asking the King to protect their rights.
- King hires 30,000 Hessians Soldiers in response. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Fought on Breed's Hill, not Bunker Hill.
"Don't Fire until you see the whites of their eyes".
British Victory (Americans ran out of ammunition) British Learn that defeating Americans would NOT be as easy as they thought. -
Washington arrives on the outskirts of Boston with Continental troops
Realizes men are disorganized and need discipline.
Needs weapons. -
"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine
Pamphlet was made to inspire more colonists to become patriots.
"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 that his army is ready and weapons arrive.
Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.
British Retreat - American Victory -
Second Continental Congress meets again
Debate on declaring independence.
Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document. -
The Declaration of Independence is signed