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Lexington and Concord
The British sent some troops to Lexington to out the rebel leaders, John Hancock and Samuel Adams. They killed 8 Americans and wounded several more. When they went on the Concord they were confronted with angry colonists and forced to retreat. This battle is considered the first warfare of the American Revolution. -
Bunker Hill
Bunker Hill was the Battle in which the Americans seized the hill and fought off the British until they (the colonists) has to retreat because of lack of supplies. This battle made the king angry and closed the door to ever repairing the conflict between the two nations. The King rejected the Olive Branch Petition because of this battle. -
Olive Branch Petition
This was a petition the Americans gave to the king asking for forgiveness and wanting to prevent further conflict. The King rejected the petition and declared the colonies in rebellion. -
Common Sense
Common Sense was a pamphlet created by Thomas Paine. It informed the colonists and gave practical reasons why America would be better of as its own nation. The pamphlet targeted commoners, using biblical references and appealed to their views of both nations. It helped the Americans be more consistent in their motives adn see that they really did want independence. -
Declaration of Independence
Originally adopted on the 2nd but signed on the 4th, the Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and stated the exact reasons why the colonies wanted to split from Britain. It also included a list of grievances and how the king violated the colonists rights. -
Battle of Saratoga
This battle is considered a turning point in the war, in favor of the Americans. The Americans had made it so the British could not advance or retreat, so, General Burgoyne had to surrender complete control. Also, it revived the American cause which was beginning to dwindle, furthermore, it opened the doors for French assistance. -
Valley Forge
An army led by George Washington spent the winter 1777 to 1778 at Valley Forge. They were starving, cold and lacked supplies. The soldies at Valley Forge were whipped into shape and made into a real army. -
Alliance with France
The French provided American armies with the firearms and gunpowder they needed. Allying with France significantly helped the Americans by giving them more support ad basic supplies to keep fighting. At first the alliance was kept a secret because the French were afraid the British would declare war on them (they were still weak) and the French helped with Saratoga. The French offered the Americans everything the British was offering them along with indapendance. -
Battle of Yorktown
Yorktown was the last deciding battle in the revolution. Three separate armies cornered Cornwallis and forced him to surrender. This battle ultimately ended the war between the British and the Americans/French, however fighting did continue between the loyalists and the patriots. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was made between the United States and the British. It recognized American independence and protected the loyalists still living in America.
