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American Revolution Timeline
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Midnight Ride
Paul Revere and William Dawes go on their midnight ride to warn colonists about the approaching British redcoats. Revere had seen two lights in the Old North Church, signaling the British’s approach by sea. -
Battle Begins
The Minutemen meet the Redcoats at Lexington, and the shot heard ‘round the world is fired. The Minutemen would lose the battle at Lexington, and later win the battle at Concord. The Patriots followed the British soldiers all the way back to Boston. -
Ethan Allen Helps
Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys invade Fort Ticonderoga, and take over the fort. In the fort were valuable cannons that would later be taken to Boston. -
Second Continental Congress Meets
Delegates from the colonies meet in Philadelphia, and send the Olive Branch Petition to King George the third in Britain. It stated that they would remain loyal to the king if he repealed the Intolerable Acts. The king failed to listen to the petition. -
Bunker Hill
At the battle of Bunker Hill, the British redcoats seized Breed’s Hill, but not without great losses. The Redcoats were forced to retreat twice, and in the end, their losses totaled over 1,000. -
Thomas Paine Publishes Famous Pamphlet
Thomas Paine publishes the famous pamphlet,” Common Sense,” with the intention of convincing the colonies to rebel against Britain. Within six months of its release, 500,000 copies of the pamphlet had been sold. -
British Leave Boston
The British evacuate Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia when General Howe notices cannons at Dorchester heights. These were the cannons brought to the continental army by the Green Mountain Boys. -
Declaration of Independence
Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence, and it is sent to the printer. Thomas Jefferson was assigned to write the declaration in late June. -
British Invade New York
The Redcoats defeat George Washington’s army in the Battle of Long Island. The Patriots losses numbered about 1,400. -
George Washington Turns Tide
George Washington tricks the British soldiers by leaving abandoned fires burning through the night, and then sneaking up on them from behind. General Cornwallis was forced to surrender his army to Washington. -
British Occupy Philadelphia
General Howe takes Philadelphia. Following the battles, Howe retires for the winter. -
Battle of Germantown
The Continental Army loses the Battle of Germantown, This was a second battle fought in Philadelphia, following the Battle of Brandywine. -
Battle of Saratoga
British general Burgoyne loses the second battle of Freemen’s Farm. This was a battle in the Battles of Saratoga. -
Burgoyne Surrenders
General Burgoyne surrenders his entire army at Saratoga. This ended the British’s threat to New England, and also convinced allies in Europe to side with the colonies. -
Valley Forge
George Washington and his army retire for the winter to Valley Forge. These were the toughest times for the army. -
France Becomes Allies With The Colonies
The British and the colonies sign the French Alliance. The French decided to side with the colonies, after the Continental Army defeated the Redcoats at Saratoga. -
Henry Clinton is British General
British General Howe is replaced by Henry Clinton. Howe proved he was a lousy general after he retired in Philadelphia instead of heading to Albany to further pursue the Continental Army. -
British Leave Philadelphia
The British abandon Philadelphia, and move on to New York. The British originally obtained Philadelphia in the Battles of Brandywine, and Germantown. -
Americans Leave Valley Forge
George Washington and his army leave Valley Forge after a long winter. Many soldiers got frostbite, and were plagued with disease. -
George Rogers Clark Takes Kaskaskia
George Rogers Clark captures Fort Kaskaskia. George Rogers Clark was a general from Virginia, who helped capture a number of forts for the colonies.
