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First Continental Convention
This convention was the humble beginnings of the revolution, representatives were still wanting a peaceful compromise. They sent a petition to King George III which asked for representation and for the intolerable acts to be repealed. -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
These battles were the first of the American Revolution. General Thomas Gage marched his troops to Lexington where they were initially met by a very small American militia. After no weapons were found in Concord the british marched back to Boston, they were mercilessly attacked by Americans the entire way and lost 273 men. -
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American Military Strategies
Washingtons original strategy was to fight a defensive war against the british. He wanted to draw the redcoats away from the coast and cut off any supply lines in turn sapping morale. The continental army gained recruited by promising land and giving large bonuses. -
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British Military Stratigies
The British supplemented their military forces with many German soldiers known as hessians. British commanders also created the southern plan which intended to cut off the american supply of food. -
Second Continental Congress
Americans still disliked the idea of total independence. Congress sent one final "olive branch" to King George III asking to repeal the coercive acts and a cease fire in boston. The petition was rejected. INDEPENDENCE! -
Major General Nathanael Greene
Washington placed Greene in charge of the Southern Campaign. This was especially difficult one because the british had strongholds along the coast at many strategic points and there were few people willing to fight for the continental army. -
General William Howe
Howe was the initial commander of british forces in America during the American Revolution. He was unable to kill the rebellion due to his relaxed tactics. This in turn gave the rebels time to recruit more people and obtain more supplies. -
Commander-in-Cheif George Washington
George Washington became to commander on the continental army after the second continental congress. Washington led the revolution against britain and kept his men's morale up as they faced the troubles of war. -
Captain Daniel Morgan
Morgan started his revolutionary career after the House of Burgesses chose him to create a company of sharpshooters, these men would be known as Daniel Morgan's Riflemen. Morgan had great success in Saratoga where his men surprised the british and employed guerrilla fighting tactics. Did you see how many allusions to businesses I had in that? I mean... wow. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Intending to get the high ground around the city General Gage decided to occupy the high ground in the hills that surrounded him. Under the cover on night American Militia members created a wall of earth that provide ample defences for some time. However after three attacks and british reinforcements the American's retreated. I know you aren't going to read this but I thought it would be important to include the part about Prescott saying not to shoot "until you see the whites of their eyes". -
Major General Horatio Gates
Originally a british general Gates switched sides after he moved to North America and purchased land in Virginia. He and washington had some distrust for each other stemming from inability to communicate and possibly a plot to overthrow Washington. Collectively he was a very effective general, he had successes in Saratoga and in the beginnings of New York. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was a vitally important person to the beginnings of the United States, he served as a President, Foreign Minister, Secretary of State, Governor, Legislator, and Congressman. Not to mention he wrote the Declaration of Independence. -
Declaration of Independence
Approved by congress of the fourth of July, this document separated the colonies from Britain and declared war. It was written by Thomas Jefferson and was based of the enlightenment ideals -
Battle of New York
British forces took New York as a strategic point on the Hudson River. Washington failed to prevent the redcoats from crossing the river into Manhattan. -
Bron von Steuben (Mr. Creepy Guy)
Baron von Steuben arrived in America in September where he then volunteered to work for General Washington. He trained the American Military during the winter at Valley Forge, this gave the militia a new professional look, attitude, and ability. -
French Treaty of Alliance
This alliance between the American Colonies and France gave the rebels military assistance. Delegates of French king Louis XVI of France and Ben Franklin agreed that the french would supply its navy and soldiers in return for islands in the caribbean. -
Battle of Saratoga
After Burgoyne’s men were exhausted and running low on supplies they faced American General Horatio Gates, Burgoyne failed to break through his enemy's forces and lost 600 men. Burgoyne retreated to Saratoga where he was surrounded, surrendered, and lost 6000 men. This was the contributing factor to America receiving French help. -
Benjamin Franklin
During the Revolutionary War Franklin served as an to France. He also made many contributions to America in science and philosophy. -
Battle of Charleston
This was the first part British southern plan, originally the town was taken by British forces by sea. Henry Clinton attempted to regain the city but his forces were captured. -
Battle of Cowpens
General Nathan Greene sent Daniel Morgan to attack the British forces in the south. Morgan met Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton in an open field with roughly equal forces; Tarleton was stunned by all the differences in Morgans troops and was easily beaten. British losses were high with 800 troops captured and over 100 killed. -
Ratification of the Articles of Confederation
This document was the first written constitution of the United States. After much deliberation and alterations congress approved the articles and submitted them to the states. -
Battle of Yorktown
This was the final battle of the American Revolution, Cornwallis decided to stay in the fort of Yorktown with no reinforcements coming. Washington's men surrounded the fort with trenches and French ships, after several days of endless canon fire Cornwallis surrendered. The war ended shortly after. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris was signed between America and Great Britain and ended the American Revolutionary War. This made America independent and cut all ties with Great Britain. -
The Constitutional Convention
This convention was called to amend the Articles of Confederation. Delegates from every state convened in Philadelphia, the document that they were left with became the constitution. -
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The Federalist Papers
A series of newspaper articles written by John Jay, James Madison, and Alexander Hamilton. Intended to display the arguments in favor of the constitution and discredit the anti-federalists. -
Ratification of the US Constitution
The Constitution of the United States of America is crafted to give an outline of the governmental policies. Created a strong central government that gave broad powers to all three branches of government.
