-
"Shot heard 'round the world"
Lexington and Concord were the first battles of the Revolutionary War. The first shot fired was called the "shot heard 'round the world", but neither side would claim the shot. -
The Continental Army is formed
Americans attacked Britian's Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. Ethan Allen led the backwoods fighters known as the Green Mountain Boys who captured the fort and its large supply of cannons and guns. On the same day the Second Continental Congress agreed to create a Continental Army. George Washingtin was chosen as its commanding general. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Battle fought on Breeds hill. The British set Charelstown on fire, then climbed Breeds hill toward the American militia. The redcoats eventually forced the miltia off the hill winning the battle. The British won at a tremendous cost, more than 1,000 were killed or wounded, compared to only 400 of the militia. -
British retreat from Boston
George Washington pulled off a huge bluff to get the British to leave Boston. He had soldiers haul cannons from Fort Ticonderoga under the leadership of General Henry Knox. Washington then positioned the cannons to overlook Boston, in a position of power, the Americans threatened to bomb the city (the cannons weren't loaded). After this happened General Howe had the British troops withdrawed from Boston to never return again. -
The Declaration of Independence
A committee was appointed to draft this document, that declared American independence from Britain. The committee included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was picked to compose the Declaration. The Declaration was adopted on July 4,1776. John Hancock was the first to sign and signed his name so big that King George would be able to read it without putting on his glasses. This Declaration is based on the philosophy of John Locke. -
The Battle of Long Island
In July 1776 Britain's General William Howe arrived in New York with a large army. In August, even more soldiers arrived, including about 9,000 Hessian mercenaries. The Americans lost the Battle of Long Island. For several months, the British and American armies fought to control New York. Finally, the British forced Washington to retreat through New Jersey. -
The Battle of Trenton
Washington's troops crossed the icy Delaware River to New Jersey, from there they marched to Trenton to srprise the Hessians after their Christmas celebration. The Americans captured or killed more than 900 Hessians and gained needed supplies. The Americans won this battle. -
The Battle of Princeton
Eight days after the Battle of Trenton Washington's army won another victory at Princeton. These victories proved that the American general was better than many had thought. The American army began to attract new recruits. -
The Battle of Bennington
Burgoyne's army was running out of supplies. A raiding party sent into Vermont was defeated by New England militia. But even despite these setbacks Burgoyne's army continued south. -
The Continental Army faces setbacks
George Washington heard that Howe was heading south, he rushed to protect Philadelphia. But in September 1777, Howe defeated Washington at Brandywine. On October 4, 1777, Washington attacked Howe at Germantown. Again, Washington lost the battle. Then during August American general Benedict Arnold sent captured Loyalists and some Iroquois to spread the rumor that he had a large army. The trick worked, and the Briish retreated to Fort Oswego. Now no one was left to meet with Burgoyne. -
British advance on Albany
An American force led by General Horatio Gates blocked Burgoynes' army's way near Saratoga, New York. There a Polish engineer helped the Americans set up fortifications, Burgoyne then attacked the fortifications. -
Burgoyne surrenders during the Battles of Saratoga
Benedict Arnold's men repeatedly charged he British, despite their casualties the Britsh held their position but on October 7, Burgoyne was forced to retreat. Burgoyne's army went to Saratoga, by the time they arrived, the men were exhausted. The Continental Army then sourounded Burgoyne's army and fired on it day and night until Burgoyne surrendered. The series of conflicts that led to this surrender is known as the Battles of Saratoga, the turning point in the war.
