Road to Revolution 5.3 &5. 4

Continental Congress Meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies but Georgia have representatives. They voted to send a "Statement of Grievances". They voted to Boycott all British Trade. Patrick Henry - VA rep. urged colonists to unite against Britain.

1,000's of Redcoats in Boston

Apr 1, 1775

General Gage brings thousands of British soldiers to Boston with more on the way.

Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Apr 18, 1775

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

Apr 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington - 1st battle of America Revolutionary War. It was "the shot heard around the world" by Ralph Waldo Emerson, the British took the victory.
Battle of Concord- Americans stop British and force them to retreat back to Boston, this was American Victory.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen capture the fort, get all supplies in the fort including cannons and make american victory.

Second Continental Congress Meet

May 10, 1775

Print $$$, set up post office, created Continental Army led by George Washington, sent Olive Branch asking King to protect their rights. The kind hires 30,000 Hessians Soldiers in responds.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

Fought on Breed's Hill. "Don't Fire until you see the white of their eyes" was said by William Prescott. There was British Victory (Americans ran out of ammunition) British learn defeating Americans would NOT be easy.

Washington arrives on the outskirts of Boston with Continental Troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realizes mean are disorganized & need discipline, they need weapons.

"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

Pamphlet inspires 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

Mar 17, 1776

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

Jun 15, 1776

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

Second Continental Congress Votes for Independence

Jul 2, 1776

The Declaration of Independence is signed !

Jul 4, 1776