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Battle of Lexington and Concord
Minutemen and redcoats fight the first battle of the war. Later known as "The shot heard 'round the world." -
Second Continental Congress
Goal of this meeting was to write a Declaration of Independence and raise an army led by George Washington. -
Commmander in Chief
George Washington named Commander in Chief and assumes command of the Continental Army on July 3rd. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Turning point of war for Americans. The Americans built a wall around the British during the night and the battle in the morning went well until the Americans ran out of ammo and had to retreat. -
General Horatio Gates
General Gates came to Washington to offer his services in the war, wanting to prove his worth. He used snipers in order to surprise the British, which worked and killed many in battle. -
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
Written by George Mason, stated many of the same principles found in the Declaration of Independence, written one month later by Thomas Jefferson. -
Declaration of Independence
Congress adopts Declaration of Independence and sends it to the British, beginning the war for independence. -
Battle of Long Island
32,000 redcoats surround American troops and defeat them in battle. During the night Washington escapes from the British. -
Pennsylvania Constitution of 1776
Created a unicameral legislature with complete power. This democratic constitution alarmed many Patriots thinking it would end very badly. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington crossed the Delaware during the night with a surprise attack on theBritish. It was a successful battle and 1,000 German soldiers were forced to surrender. -
Victory in Princeton
Continental Army won a small victory, but still could not match the superiority of the British troops. -
Benedict Arnold
Benedict Arnold arrives to work with General Gates and get the credit he believes he deserves. The generals have different ideas and Gates sends Arnold to stay in his quarters. In battle Arnold defies Gates' orders and places snipers in trees as a surprise attack. Won battle because of this but, Gates took credit (Saratoga). Ended the campaign to take the Hudson River. -
Battle of Saratoga
Orignally the British hoped to take control of Albany, NY but, Howe decided to attack Philadelphia instead where the Continental Congress was in hopes of ending the rebellion in one attack. Burgoyne's army was defeated partly from Howe's decision and were stuck suffering near Saratoga. It was a victory for the Americans who captured 5,000+ soldiers but, Philadelphia was taken by General Howe. -
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Valley Forge
Turning point of war when Americans were greatly suffering but quickly were changed. In April, Baron Von Steuban transformed the troops, making them more professinal and skilled even though many oringinally doubted him. The French alliance brought miltary and finacial support to the Americans in May. -
French Alliance
Americans and France form an alliance which would supply Americans with more troops and supplies. Required Americans to recognize all French claims in the West Indies. -
Repeal of Tea Act and Prohibitory Acts
Lord North tells the British Parliment that the war is going badly and they decide to make changes. They relinquish the right to tax the colonies and repeal the Tea Act and Prohibitory Acts hoping to end the war. Americans reject this thinking it will happen again and they are still not represented. -
Henry Clinton
General William Howe resigns and returns to England while Henry Clinton replaces him, taking control of British forces. Creates a southern strategy, sending 10,000 troops to Savannah, Georgia. -
Spain joins the war
Spain joins the war on the American side hoping to reclaim Florida. They did not send troops but, instead sent the Spanish fleet, accidentally driving the British north. -
Philipsburg Proclamation
This document created by General Clinton stated that any slaves who were able to escape their masters and were willing to fight for the British army would gain their freedom. -
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Battles to Yorktown
Beginning in Charleston, SC, Americans and British fought a series of battles (Camden, Kings MT., Cowpens, Guliford Court House, etc.) throughout North and South Carolina, eventually driving the British into Yorktown. -
Marquis de Lafayette
Marquis de Lafayette convinces Louis XVI to send 6,000 soldiers to Rhode Island, threatening New York. -
Charles Cornwallis
Took control of southern British forces and wins at Campbell, SC against General Gates. -
Nathaniel Green
Washington sends trustworthy quartermaster Green to take back the Carolinas as commander of southern army. -
Articles of Confederation
This document provided a loose union for each state allowing them to keep soverignty, freedom, and independence. Allowed ability to declare war, make treaties, borrow/print money, and fix state disputes. -
Surrender at Yorktown
Americans dug trenches to attack the British then spent 6 days firing cannons at the British fort , finally leading an attack at night, winning the battle. After the loss, Cornwallis surrenders and his army captured. Cornwallis did not surrender his sword himself and Washington had each soldier (8,000 soldiers) lay down their gun as he walked past. -
Articles of Peace
British and Americans signed preliminary Articles of Peace and a month later the British leave Charleston, SC. -
Treaty of Paris
The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris ending the revolution. -
Ratification of Constitution
U.S. Constitution adopted when New Hampshire ratifies it after being signed in September of 1787.
