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The First Continental Congress
Click here for more informationDelegates from the colonies meet in Philadelphia to discuss the Coercive acts enforced by Britain. Though unhappy with the policies, many preferred increased economic sanction against Britain over independence. The Colonists agreed that Britain had violated their rights and moved forward with a Committee of Observation and Safety to track colonists’ loyalty and defend them. The Congress marked a political milestone for the colonies as they advanced towards autonomy and eventually independence. -
Lexington and Concord
Click here for more informationGeneral Thomas Gage sends 700 British soldiers to seize weapons stored at Concord in response to the Committee of Safety in Boston. Paul Revere rode overnight to Concord in order to warn of the approaching attack. As the British made their way through Lexington, they were met with American forces blocking their path. Once victorious over the Americans in Lexington, the British moved to Concord whereanother battle ensued. After such casulaties from the Americans, the revolution ignited. -
The Second Continental Congress
For more on the Congress click hereDelegates meet in Philadelphia for the second time. Most hoped for resolution and therefore decided to send petitions to London to restore colonial liberties but all were ignored. With Britain’s opinion clear, the delegates moved forward with recruiting more soldiers and appointing George Washington as head of the Army in light of Lexington and Concord, decisions that would eventually strengthen their army and win the impending war. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
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British General Thomas Gage found him and his soldiers trapped in Boston by the hands of 10,000 colonial militiamen. The British would try to escape their captivity by attacking the American position on Breed’s Hill. After a third attempt, they were able to charge at the Americans and swept the hill as ammunition dwindled. Though successful for now, the British had suffered severe casualties, something that proved to be a testament of colonial power. -
The Olive Branch Petition
Click Here for more informationSent as a last effort for reconciliation between Britain and America, the delegates of the Second Continental Congress send the Olive Branch Petition to London. Though the petition affirmed America’s loyalty to Great Britain, it was rejected and responded with further restrictions on trade in the colonies. King George III stated the colonies were in, “open and avowed rebellion.” With the last attempt of resolution dismissed, American and Britain would next meet on the battlefield. -
Common Sense published
Click here for a pamphlet summaryThomas Paine, a radical journalist, publishes the pamphlet Common Sense in order to defend the revolution. The pamphlet created a common revolutionary identity in the colonies as it criticized several of the British rulers. Paine made the case that the colonies would be able to handle themselves financially. The arguments made directly reflected impending political views in the colonies and would help in gaining support to rise against the crown. -
The Declaration of Independance
Click here for more informationCongress unanimously approves the Declaration of Independance. The declaration proclaims the colonies to be a country independaent from British rule. It is through this document are the colonies united in their freedom. Drafted by Thomas Jefferson, the declaration would soon reach mythical status in America and only further America's growing power. The political freedom ensued by the declaration was vastly celebrated throughout the colonies and countinues today in annual July 4th celebrations. -
Battle of Trenton
For more information click hereAfter several defeats in New York, General George Washington made the decision to cross the Delaware River in order to capture the Hessian soldiers at Trenton. Washington planned the journey for Christmas night to catch the Hessians at an opportune moment. Having participated in a Christmas feast, the Hessians had left themselves vulnerable to attack. Before given time to resist, Washington’s men had captured nearly two thirds of the force, and therefore restored faith in the American cause. -
The Battle of Saratoga
For more on the Battle od Saratoga click hereBringing an end to the failed battle strategies of British General William Howe, British invaders surrender at Saratoga after several defeats. With another American victory, the Patriot cause began to gain momentum. It also aided in France viewing American independence as advantageous and entering the war on the American side. This would ultimately provide the Americans with funds and resources that were previously unattainable. -
Desertion in the Army of the Continental Congress
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After a devastating loss at Bunker Hill, George Washington realized the value in a proper army under Congress’s control if they were to defeat the British. Enlistments were made up of men attracted to the promise of land and food. However, enthusiasm quickly shifted when the army settled at Valley Forge. It was here that many men deserted after food and pay did not outweigh a bitter winter. Such desertion would test the unity of a Continental Army. -
Siege of Savannah
For more on the siege click hereAmerican forces attempt to regain Savannah after having lost the land to the British nearly a year earlier. In a siege that would last until October 18, the Colonial Army under Colonel Archibald Campbell suffered overwhelming causalities and ultimately failed. With few British casualties, American pride nearly vanished through the British celebrations. The Continental Army of Congress would have to strengthen them if victory was to be possible. -
Charleston
Click here for more informationBritish military and naval forces led by General Henry Clinton and General Charles Cornwallis arrive in Charleston, South Carolina. With outstanding forces they are able to siege and cut relief off from the city. Having inadequate numbers and supplies to win the battle, Benjamin Lincoln surrenders the city on May 12th. With over 4500 American soldiers captured, the siege of Charleston served to be one of the most devastating blows sustained to the American cause. -
France
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Further proving the strained relationship between Britain and France, France helps in the American Revolution by sending a fleet of some 10,000 soldiers to Virginia to aid the Americans. These soldiers would go on to help in the surrender of Yorktown. Such an act declared the relationship between France and America and ultimately pronounced the view of America as an independent nation. -
Yorktown
Click here for more on the Siege of YorktownAfter hearing of a French fleet arriving in Virginia to aid the Americans, George Washington hurried south with the Continental Army and French allies to take the British forces of Yorktown. After more than a month, the Americans and French were able to surround and overpower the British. On October 19, 1781 British General Cornwallis would surrender to Washington, greatly increasing American confidence and ultimately creating a British government in favour of American independence. -
The Treaty of Paris
For more on the treaty click hereThe Treaty of Paris, signed in Versailles and done without French knowledge, outlined an agreement between Britain and American. The treaty stated that Britain recognized America as an independent nation and that they would be removing any remaining British troops effective immediately. In return, America was to refrain from seizures of Loyalist property and financially compensate for previous losses. The treaty would mark the end of the French-American alliance.
