-
Battles of Lexington and Concord
On the night before, British troops marched up from Boston. Paul Revere and others alerted the militia. The colonists fought to protect their weapons, and the redcoats were forced to flee. This was the first battle in the Revolutionary War. -
2nd Continental Congress Meets
This political group followed the original Continental Congress. They met during the Colonial Revolutionary Effort and discussed plans of war. The Second Continental Congress formed the Continental Army, and it also helped create the new United State's Government. -
Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
On this day, Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen joined troops to to attack the fort. These Massachusetts and Vermont colonists took the New York fort by surprise. They acquired artillery and it was the first real victory by the Continental Army. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
After the colonial soldiers learned that the British were going to send in troops, they marched to Breed's Hill. 2,200 British soldiers, along with General Gage, marched there with Gen. William Howe. They waited to fire until they were close, but the Americans shot first. The colonists ended up losing the battle, but the British Army suffered many casualties. -
Common Sense
Common Sense was a pamphlet published by Thomas Paine. It described the reasons that the colonies should become a separate nation. It blamed Britain and the King for all of the colonial problems. Common Sense was very popular and many copies were sold. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson. The Second Continental Congress agreed on it when the colonies announced their secession from England. The document explained the cause for separation from the government and was signed by many of our founding fathers. -
Battle of Trenton and Princeton
George Washington, an American General, crossed the Delaware River with his men to surprise Hessian forces. His army won, and seven days later they returned.troops General Charles Cornwallis brought his British troops to trap them. At night, most of Washington's army headed to Princeton without the British realizing and secured another victory there. -
Valley Forge
Gen. Washington took the Continental Army to Valley Forge, PA with hopes to rest and reorganize throughout the winter. The army was very weak and tired. Washington's plan did not work, as the winter was very cold and they quickly ran out of supplies. Many men were sick and injured, yet in February they regrouped with new additions such as General Friedrich von Steuben and March marked the end of their stay. -
Articles of Confederation Ratified
The Articles of Confederation was a set of laws to guide the new United Colonies. It acted as the country's first constitution after being passed by the Second Continental Congress. Under it, states remained independent, although their was to be unity within the nation. The Articles of Confederation were in effect until 1789. -
Battle of Yorktown
George Washington took 17,000 men to start a siege against General Cornwallis and his British troops. It took place in Virginia and lasted almost three weeks. The British were trapped by the French Navy and American Army. This was the last battle of the Revolutionary War and it ended with a British surrender. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris officially gained independence for the United States of America by ending the war. Negotiations took place between Britain and the U.S. in France after Lord North, the Prime Minister, lost the Battle of Yorktown. It was signed on September 3rd after both countries also agreed on land, debts, etc.
