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Period: to
American Revolution
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Battle of Lexington and Concord
The British set out from Boston to capture Samael Adams and John Hancock in Lexington as well as to destroy the Americans stored weapons and ammunition in COncord. It was also known as "Shot heard around the world." -
Capture of Ft. Ticonderoga
There was only one gaurd on duty that night at the south gate. Where the Green Mountain Boyscame to. When the gun misfired, the gaurd ran away. They quickly entered the fort and took 48 British soldiers bu surprise. -
Second Continental Congress meets
This congess was led by John Hancock. Other new members included Thomas Jeffeson and Benjamin Franklin. Ths congress acted more like a government sending ambassadors to foregn countries, printing its own money, getting loans, and raising an army. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
British troops dislodge an entrenched New England force from the heights overlooking Charleston and Boston Harbor, but suffer more than a thousand casualties. The engagement boost confidence in the American Army, and persuades British leaders that they must avoid direct assaults on entrenched American positions in the future. -
George Washington named Commander-in-Chief
George Washington issues his first commander-in-chief of the "Troops of the United Provinces of North America" from his headquarters in Massachusetts. -
American defeat at Quebec
American forces, under generals Richard Montgomery and Benedict Arnold, attack on the city of Quebec in a failed attemptto drive British forces from the city. -
Declaration of Independence
The 13 colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists' motivations for seeking their independence. By declaring indepepndence themselves an independent nation, the American colonists were able to conclude official alliance with the government of France and obtain French assistance in the war against Great Britain. -
Battle of Long Island
British land and naval forces attack the Continental Army on Long Island, leading to a series of American defeats around New York and across New Jersey. British forces occupy Hew York until November 1783. -
British occupy New York City
On September 15, 1776, General Howe landed at Kap's Bay and entered the city of New York virtually unopposed and paused his campaign. In November, he would pursue Washington out of New York and across New Jersey. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington and his army were together in their camp by the Deleware River. The army of 6,000 men dressed on rags were discouraged and weakened. Across the river in Trenton, slept a small group of Hessians who were to gaurd New Jersey. They crossed the river in boats through sleet, hail, and ice. The Americans then charged on the sleeping Hessians and in 1 hour captured 1,000 prisoners and took Trenton. -
British evacuate Boston
After American troops protect Dorchester Heights with heavy artillery pieces obtained from New York's Ft. Ticonderoga. British General Willim Howe chooses to evacuate Boston rather than risk another assault an enemy entrenchment. -
Battle of Brandywine
In the largest land battle of the American War of Independence, British and American forces led by their respective commanders, Sir William Howe and George Washington, clash near Chaudd's Ford, Pennsylvania. Washington's Army is driven from the field, and Howe's force occupies Philadelphia 2 weeks later. -
British occupy Philadelphia
The British proudly marched into Philadelphia. In anticipation of their arrival, the capital was abandoned by the Patriot and many in the business community. Things were in turmoil until the facts held by the Patriots were taken by the British and steady supply of food and equiptment flowed into the city. They were ready to settle in for a warm, cozy, and party-filed winter. The occupying British feared attack from the French armada and quickly abandoned the city, leaving Tories helpless. -
Battle of Saratoga
After a series of actions in the Hudson and Mohawk Valleys, the British startegy of cutting the New England off from the rest of the rebelling colonies, ends failure at Saratoga. British General Burgoyne's surender provides welcome news after the fall of Philadelphia, and influences France's decision to declare war on Breat Britain. -
Articles of Confederation
The Continental Congress adopted the Articles, 'the first constitution of the Unites States.' However, the Articles of Confederation of all 13 colonies did not occur until March, 1781. They were created by delegates from the 2nd Continental Congress out of a need to have a plan for securing freedom and independence of the United States. After all war, alot of people complained now the Articles were too weak. The present constitution replaced the Articles and helped make the governemnt stronger. -
Winter at Valley Forge
Washington's bedraggled forces arrived at Valley Forgeabout 20 miles northwest of Britished occupied Philadelphia where they remain in winter quaters for 6 months. -
Alliance with France
Representatives of the Continental COngress and the French fovernment sighned a treaty of alliance that facilities commercial exchange, provides French recognition of the United States of America, and pledges natural support in the struggle against Great Britain. -
Battle of Monmouth
British and American forces clash in central New jersey in the large-scale militaryengagement and before major operations shift to the south. The Continental Army's performance in this hard-fought actionreflects the reforms in training and discipline instituted during the Valley Forge encampment. -
Fall of Savannah
Savannah was considered to be a key part by the British. In November, 1778, Henry Clinton sent 3500 regulars and Tories against Savannah. This part was the base where the British would have axcess to the southern American colonies as well as the East Indies. Savannah was defended by a thousand militia from Georgia and neighboring South Carolina. -
Spain Declares War
Although refusing to recognize American independence or enter into a formal alliance with the United States, Spain assist the struggle by joining France in naval and land operations against the British. -
Seige of Charleston
With war in the north at a stand still British commander Henry Clinton develops a 'Southern strategy' to tap loyalist manpower (presumed to be considerable) and restore British political country in the region. The American surrender at Charelston leads to a devastation partisanwar across much of the south. -
BEnedict Arnold: Treason Discovered
Benedict Arnold's treason is discovered by 3 young men who grew suspicious of a passerby who turned out to be a British spy, John Andre. The discovery led to the 3 men entry into the hall of fame of American heroes from the Revolution. -
French&British Battle in Chesapeake Bay
British led by Admiral Thomas Graves and the French led by Admiral Joseph Paul. Theh battle was a great defeat of the British since the royal navy could not reinforce of General and Cornwallis. -
Seige at Yorktown
Having established a base, Virginia to rest has tired army , British general Cornwallis find himself trapped under seige by American and French forces when a French fleet defeats a British naval force at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. -
Cornwallis Surrenders
Surrounded by French and American troops, General Cornwallis had no choice but to surrender. The two sides the formal agreement of the British surrender on October 19. This menat the end of fighting and the beginning of independence.
