Gaining Independence

  • The French and Indian War

    The French and Indian War
    the Albany Congress: colonial leaders met to discuss potential war, Ben Franklins' "Join or Die snake image was published
  • Fort Niagra

    Fort Niagra
    the British were defeated on Lake Ontario
  • Fort Duquesne

    Fort Duquesne
    General Edward Braddock's defeat because of European-style tactics ineffective against French and Native American warfare
  • the Start of the 7 Years War

    the Start of the 7 Years War
    the British officially declared war on France, beginning the 7 years war
  • the British turned the Tide

    the British turned the Tide
    Britain gained control of all territory east of the Mississippi river, except New Orleans
  • the Boston Tea Party

    the Boston Tea Party
    sons of Liberty dumped tea into the Boston harbor that were dressed as Native Americans
  • the Second Continental Coongress

    the Second Continental Coongress
    they met in Philadelphia where they appointed George Washington as leader of the Continental Army
  • Lexington and Concord

    Lexington and Concord
    first armed conflict of the American Revolution, the British retreated to Boston while suffering heavy losses
  • the Shot Heard around the World

    the Shot Heard around the World
    British troops marched to seize weapons in Concord and was the first offical action of the Revolutionary war
  • Thomas Paine's Common Sense

    Thomas Paine's Common Sense
    aurgued for self-governonce and stimulated support for independence
  • Siege of Boston

    Siege of Boston
    an early battle where Washington's troops forced the British to evacuate Boston
  • voting for independence

    voting for independence
    the continental congress voted for independence
  • Independence approved by congress

    Independence approved by congress
    The Statement of Independence was approved by congress on July 4, 1776, but was signed on August 2, 1776
  • Battle of Trenton

    Battle of Trenton
    Washing set up and executed a surprise attack on Hessian forces, this boosted American morale
  • Battle of Saratoga

    Battle of Saratoga
    Major American victory and was the fight that convinced the French to ally with the Americans
  • Valley Forge

    Valley Forge
    this winter had harsh conditions for the continental army and the citizens provided an overwhelming support for the troops. while the British partied, the Americans trained
  • American Traitor

    American Traitor
    American general Benedict Arnold turned traitor and joined the British
  • The Final Battle at Yorktown

    The Final Battle at Yorktown
    British forces under Cornwallis trapped at Yorktown. American troops surrounded them on land while the French navy prevented the British from escaping by the sea
  • the British Surrender

    the British Surrender
    Cornwallis surrendered, ending the war
  • Treaty of Paris

    Treaty of Paris
    Britain recognized the U.S. independence