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Lexington and Concord
Minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington and Concord, in what becomes known as "the shot heard 'round the world" and marks the beginning of the war. -
The Second Continental Congress
The second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia. -
Commander in Chief
George Washington is named the Commander in Chief of the Patriots. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The British drive the Americans from Breed's Hill. -
Quebec
American forces under Benedict Arnold fail to seize Quebec -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine publishes "Common Sense." -
The Virginia Decleration of Rights
Proclaimed the inherent rights of men, including the right to rebel against "inadequate" government. -
The First Virginia Constitution
Defined and limited the powers of the state government and the basic rights of the citizens of the U.S. Commonwealth of Virginia. -
The Decleration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson, declaring their independence from Britain. -
Battle of Long Island
Redcoats defeat George Washington's army at Long Island, however, they escape at night. -
Surprise Attack
Washington crosses the Delaware and captures Trenton from the Hessians. -
Baron von Steuben
Trains American troops at Valley Forge to become a professional military force. -
The Flag Resolution
The Second Continental decided on how the American flag should look. -
Lafayette
Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia to help command the British troops. -
Battle of Saratoga
Burgoyne surrenders to General Gates at Saratoga. -
Valley Forge
Washington's army retires to winter quarters at Valley Forge untill June 19, 1778. -
French Allies
France and the U.S. sign the French Alliance, where the French agree to help the patriots to fight the British in exchange for ownership of the West Indies. -
General Replacement
British General Wiliam Howe is replaced by Henry Clinton. -
Spain Joins the Fight
Spain declares war on Great Britain. -
Anthony Wayne
American "Mad" Anthony Wayne captures Stony Point, NY. -
The Tappan Massacre
"No Flint" Grey kills 30 americans by bayonet. -
General Cornwallis
Cornwallis takes over as general for Clinton after they captured Charleston, SC. -
French Aid
French troops arrive at Newport, RI to aid the American cause. -
Nathanael Greene
Washington names Greene commander of the Southern Army. -
Patriot Upheaval
Mutinhy of unpaid Pennsylvania soldiers. -
Articles of Confederation
The Articles of Confederation are adopted, establishing the U.S. as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution. -
The Last Battle
General Cornwallis is surrounded and surrenders at Yorktown. -
Lord North
Lord North resigns as British prime minister. -
Articles of Peace
British and Americans sign preliminary Articles of Peace in order to stop conflict between them. -
Treaty of Paris
The U.S. and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris, ending the Revolutionary War. -
The Constitution
The U.S. Constitution is signed. -
Constitutional Acceptance
The U.S. Constitution is adopted, when New Hampshire ratifies it.
