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American Revolution
As the tension between Britain and the American colonies increased, disagreements over trade, taxes and representation, a revolution was created. -
The First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress In response to the Coercive Acts, also known as the Intolerable Acts, colonist from the Thirteen Colonies met in Philadelphia on September 5, 1774 for a Continental Congress, in secret. Each state had sent a representative except for Georgia. These colonist included Samuel Adams, John Adams, George Washington and Patrick Henry. These delegates were already very much involved with political agitation. -
Lexington and Concord
Lexington and Concord On April 18, 1775 General Gage sent 700 redcoats to seize the weapons at Concord. Paul Revere, warned the minuteman of this. When the British arrived, the minutemen were already there. Both sides fired and the British soldiers continued their way. The British destroyed the supplies and when they were returning they had not realized minutemen were hiding. Minutemen ambushed them successfully. -
The Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress Delegates met in Philadelphia for the Second Continental Congress. Some of them were hesitant to defy the king, however a few people saw little hope for a peaceful solution. The delegates decided that they had to act quickly to strengthen their forces in Massachusetts. With money borrowed from France, they appointed George Washington head of the new Continental Congress. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill This was the first major battle of the war. The British attempted to break out by attacking the Americans by charging at the Americans three ties. The first two attacks had failed, however, in the final attack the Americans ran out of ammunition and retreated. The British won that battle, but suffered heavy casualties. The picture shows the death of the American General Warren when he died at the Battle of Bunker Hill. -
Olive Branch Petition
Olive Branch Petition At the same time as the Second Continental Congress, delegates also drafted petitions to seek a peaceful resolution with Britain. The petitions urged the British government to restore colonial liberties, were all ignored by Britain. The Olive Branch was the final appeal Congress sent to Britain on July 8, 1775. Britain responded by putting more restrictions on trade with the colonies. In August, the King declared that the American colonies were in a rebellion and were named as traitors (pic). -
Quebec military campaign
The Battle of Quebec Two American armies headed north determined to launch a pre-emptive strike on Quebec. One of the armies was commanded by Montgomery from New York. His force defeated the British force in November. The British withdrew downriver to Quebec. Montgomery pursued them and they were joined up by Arnold's troops. The Americans lost the battle on New Year's Eve. Montgomery was killed (picture) and Arnold was forced to retreat. Part of the reason why the Americans lost was because of the cold weather. -
Common Sense published
Common Sense Thomas Paine published the pamphlet, Common Sense, which was a easy-to-understand defence of the revolution. He criticized rulers who were violating their citizens, rather than protecting their rights. His first principal theme was the evil of George III. He stated that the British monarch was responsible for the many injustices between the colonies. He also argued that America could handle its own affairs. Paine was one of the first to express the need for America to separate from Europe. -
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence It is one of the most cherished and influential symbols in America and was drafted by Thomas Jefferson. The declaration was finally approved on July 4, 1776. This declaration gave Americans rights and liberties. The declaration stated that all men are created equal and this raises the question, “Did equality extend to all men?” So many slaves were still owned at that time by Americans. Perhaps only white men who had land were created equally. -
British surrendered at Saratoga
The Battle of Saratoga General John Burgoyne's troops (British) surrendered after no reinforcements came which left his troops vulnerable after the American troops surrounded them at Saratoga. This battle was very significant for the Americans as it gained more supporters which also included France. France recognized American independence and entered the war siding with the Americans. The French provided the Americans with funds and naval supports they had lacked. -
American troops at Valley Forge
Conditions in Valley Forge Valley Forge was the place that the Continental troops stayed at in Pennsylvania. In the year before, 1776, George Washington led his troops across the Delware River to fight the Battle of Trenton which decided whether Washington’s troops would stay or not. The troops stayed there for 6 months. The first three month was the hardest for the troops because of the cold weather. The troops did not have proper clothing and many of them did not have boots or warm clothing. -
Alliance with the French
The Treaty of Alliance After the battle of Saratoga, the French started to notice the British even more. They signed the Treaty of Alliance which created a military force between the French and Americans against the British. The French provided the Americans with supplies and funds that they lacked. The French saw an opportunity to defeat the British. The Americans would not been as successful without the help of the French. -
The Capture of Savannah
The Capture of Savannah Savannah was a city captured by the British after the Americans failed to defend it. Clinton (British) was given the order to move into South Carolina because of the large population of Loyalist who will side with Britain. Troops from New York led by Campbell were sent to join forces from St. Augustine. -
Benedict Arnold marked as traitor
Benedict Arnold Benedict Arnold was a hero in the eyes of the Americans because of the contributions he made at Saratoga. However, he was court-marshalled by the Americans and felt unhappy about it. By May 1779, Arnold started to make deals with the British. The British promised him money and a place in the British army. The Americans soon found out about the deal. Arnold escaped in time to England. The British did give him money, however the British never truly trusted him. -
British surrendering at Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown The American troops, led by George Washington and the French encircled the British forces at Yorktown. After the British realized that relief was impossible, and surrendered to Washington. This loss for the British had a significant effect on war. Later, a new government was created favouring the American colonies and their independence. -
The Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris The Treaty of Paris was signed at Versailles. This treaty ended the American Revolution. Britain finally recognized America as an independent nation. The Treaty of Paris is known to be overly generous to America. It gave America lots of land which foreshadowed the power it will gain in the future. Even though the French did not like this treaty, they had little choice but to accept it. The picture shows members who had signed, but it was unfinished because the British refused to pose.
