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Townshend Acts
The Townshend Acts imposed taxes on raw materials and tea; the result was colonial protests over "taxation without representation." -
Battles of Lexington & Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first military engagements of the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Lexington was a minor British victory, and the Battle of Concord was a major Colonial victory. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill was the deadliest single battle of the Revolutionary War. The battle was a pyrrhic victory for the British who lost 1000 men. The Colonists lost only 450. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch petition was sent by the Second Continental Congress to King George III asking for a 'return to peace.' King George refused the petition and declared the colonies in full rebellion. -
Signing of the Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, 1779 the Second Continental Congress of the United States signed the Declaration of Independance. The Declaration was the official secession of the thirteen colonies from Great Britain, and the official formation of the United States- a nation founded on the principles of unity, equality, and freedom for all. July 4th is now celebrated as Independence Day in the United States. -
Battle of Trenton (Crossing the Delaware)
On Christmas Day 1776, George Washington crossed the nearly frozen Delaware River to ambush Hessian forces. The result was a great American victory and a huge morale boost to an army which had just lost Philadelphia. -
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The Continental Army at Valley Forge
During the winter and spring of 1777 to 1778, George Washington's Continental Army stayed in Valley Forge. They fought against disease, starvation, lack of clothing and other supplies, and cold to survive. 2000 of the 10000 men who stayed in Valley Forge died. -
Treaty of Alliance
The Treaty of Alliance was a treaty between the American Colonies and France which promised French support to the American cause. This official declaration of French support occured only after the major American victory in Saratoga on October 17, 1777. -
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Siege of Yorktown
The Siege of Yorktown was the last battle of the Revolutionary War. With French support in the sea and on land, British general Cornwallis was forced to surrender his army. This effectively ended the Revolutionary War. -
Treaty of Paris
Four nations: the United States, Great Britain, France, and Spain met to determine to boundaries for the new United States. The result was independence for the US. This treaty officially ended the Revolutionary War.
