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The battles of Lexington and Concord. these were the first battles of the Revolution
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Ethan Allen and Green Mountain Boys capture Fort Ticonderoga on the shores of Lake Champlain. The fort was crucial for British communication with Canada and contained heavy artillery and cannons - which the Patriots dragged to Boston.
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The Declaration of Independence drafted by Thomas Jefferson is presented to congress. Congress approves.
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British forces receive massive reinforcements from England. 30,000 soldiers and 1,200 cannons arrive for the British at New York Harbor.
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The Declaration of Independence is adopted
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Nathan Hale is executed by the British for spying on their troops. His famous final words were, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country".
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General George Washington and Continental Army cross the icy Delaware River and ambush 800 astonished Hessian (German mercenaries) at 4:00 in the morning. All Hessians are captured. "Washington's Crossing", as it came to be known, improved the morale of the army but was somewhat inconsequential in the war itself.
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General George Washington and the Continental Army cross the icy Delaware River to ambush the British in Trenton
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Burgoyne is trapped in Saratoga.
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American forces earn their first major victory of the war at Saratoga, NY (near Albany) under Generals Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates. If British General William Howe would have followed through with the plan to meet Burgoyne, rather than occupy Philadelphia, the Continental Army likely would have fallen.
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George Washington sets up winter encampment at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Disease and frigid temperatures decimate the camp. Morale is low until German General Baron Von Stueben is brought to train the people to be soldiers.
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France and the United States sign treaties of alliances. France became a strong partner in the quest for American independence and provided most of the Patriot military supplies. France further pledged to help fight Britain until American independence could be gained. Britain and France then declare war on each other when British ships fire upon a French fleet. Britain would now find themselves fighting not only in North America, but in Europe, Asia and Africa as well.
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British forces withdraw from Philadelphia, fearing a naval blockade by French fleets. General Henry Clinton and British forces cross New Jersey on their way to New York City. Patriot General George Washington sends troops after him
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Clinton and Washington's armies meet at Monmouth, New Jersey. The battle was inconclusive, but American General Charles Lee orders a retreat, which allows Clinton's army to continue to New York City
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Spain helps fight against Britain
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900 American soldiers are killed and 1,000 captured by British General Charles Cornwallis in South Carolina.
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The siege at Yorktown begins. General Washington's army of 17,000 begin encircling the city while French naval forces bombard Cornwallis' army with cannon fire continuously.
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As Yorktown is about to be taken, General Cornwallis begins surrender negotiations.
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The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris officially ending the war. America is free!
