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Continental Congress Meets
Representatives from all colonies but Georgia gather in Philadelphia. Georgia is a British sympathizer, so they skip. The representatives gather to set up a new political body, and to challenge British rule. The representatives decide to boycott British trade, and to send "statement of grievances," to King George III. Patrick Henry from Virginia 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. He commands them to seize and destroy all ammunition and supplies they can find. -
Midnight Ride Of Paul Revere
Paul Revere rides to warn the Sons Of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming." -
Battles Of Lexington And Concord
The battle of Lexington was the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. It is also referred to as the "shot heard round the world." It was a British victory and only lasted about 10 minutes. The British continued to Concord At Concord the British find nothing. They burn the town to the ground. The Americans stop the British and force them to retreat to Boston. While retreating the Americans shoot at them from the trees. This is considered and American victory. -
American Capture Of Fort Ticonderoga
Benedict Arnold with Ethan Allan and the Green Mountain Boys capture the fort with zero force. They sneak into the fort and wake the British. The British surrender quickly. They collect all supplies in the fort including cannons. American Victory. -
Second Continental Congress Meets
The continental congress met and decided to begin forming the country. They starting printing money, they set up a post office, and most important, they created the continental army. A vote was held for who would lead this army, and congress unanimously chose George Washington. They also sent "Olive Branch," which asked the king to protect their rights. The king instead hired 30,000 hessian soldiers to fight for the king. -
Battle Of Bunker Hill
Fought on Breed's Hill. Low on ammunition, William Prescott of the American cause orders, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." The Americans run out of ammunition, and are forced to retreat. British Victory. British learn defeating the Americas would be no easy task. -
Washington Arrives On Outskirts Of Boston
Washington realizes that the men need discipline, so he begins to train them. He also realizes that he needs bigger weapons. -
"Common Sense" Published by Thomas Paine
The pamphlet inspires colonists to become patriots. "Every thing 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 men are ready. The cannons had also arrived. He props the cannons on Dorchester heights, facing Boston. The British flee making this an American victory. -
Second Continental Congress Meets Again
Congress debates weather they should break off from Britain or if they should stay. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the declaration if they desired to declare independence. -
Second Continental Congress Vote For Independance
All thirteen colonies vote yes on declaring independence. New York did not vote but did show its support. -
The Declaration Of Independence Is Signed
Fireworks.