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Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were against British soldiers and American colonists. The British wanted to take the weapons of the colonists and arrest John Hancock and Samuel Adams on the way to Concord. The British and the American colonists fought in towns outside of Boston, Massachusetts. -
Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates of the thirteen colonies that started meeting in Pennsylvania. This all happened soon after the Revolutionary War. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Early in the Revolutionary war the British won against the Americans in the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Regardless of the loss of the battle the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant casualties against the British. The battle gave the Americans a important confidence boost. -
Failed Seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
The Second Continental Congress was creating a tactical when Benedict Arnold reached Quebec. Him and his troops knew there was no way they could capture the capital city because of the conditions. His efforts were very unsuccessful. -
Common Sense Published
Thomas Paine argues in Common Sense for American independence. Paine talks about the government, religion, colonial situation etc. He distinguishes between government and society. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
On July 4th 1776 congress approved of the formal wording of the Declaration of Independence. John Hancock, president of congress signed the Deceleration of Independence. -
Battle of Trenton
The battle was won by the Americans. The battle pitted 2,400 soldiers of the Continental army, which was commanded by George Washington. They were up against about 1,400 Hessian soldiers, which were commanded by Colonel Johann Rall. -
Battle of Saratoga
The Battles of Saratoga were a turning point in the American Revolution. General John Burgoyne achieved a small but expensive victory over the American forces. The American forces were led by Horatio Gates and Benedict Arnold. -
Paoli Massacre
The bulk of the American army moved to Reading Furnace to replenish their ammunition. The use of the bayonet coupled with the notion that the British hurt the Americans physically who tried to surrender. Also made martyrs of those maimed and killed at Paoli -
Washington’s Encampment at Valley Forge
Valley Forge had the highest mortality of any Continental Army encampment. It had the highest military engagements. Regardless of the mortality rate Washington curbed the spread of smallpox. Smallpox had plagued the Continental Army since the American Revolution.