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Battle of Lexington
The Battle of Lexington was a very small fight. But it was important because this is what led to the American Revolution War beginning. The Americans had a small group and the British had a larger amount of force. Neither of groups were expected to fight until an accidental gunshot went off. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
This battle took place when the American forces learned that the British were going to take over the Hills to gain a tactical advantage. The Americans then secretly moved their troops around Boston. The very next the British figured out what happened and attacked. Americans troops fought back in two charges and began to run out of ammunition. This lead to the British winning the hill but the Americans had less casualties than the British. -
Thomas Paine: Common Sense
Author Thomas Paine wrote a book called “Common Sense”. It was a instant best-seller when it was published in 1776. It sold a total of 120,000 copies. In the book he argued about the independence from England and also the creation of a democratic republic. He also quoted some things from the Bible in his book as well. -
Declaration of Independence Issued
The Declaration of Independence was American’s key to getting freedom from the British. The Americas have been seeking independence for years and it finally happened on July 4th, 1776. Since the United States is independent nation, this means that the colonists can confirm an alliance with France and get assistance from France in continuity with the war with Britain. -
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was part of the advanced Patriots. His early contribution was the “A Summary View of the Rights of British America (1774)”. Thomas Jefferson was also chosen in 1776 to be apart of the draft of the Declaration of Independence. Also in 1776 he participated in the in the Virginia Legislature until his election as governor in 1779 (“Thomas Jefferson”). -
Long Rifles
The Pennsylvania Long Rifle was more accurate than most weapons during the time of the American Revolution. The British at this time was equipped with smooth bore muskets. Without, the long rifle the American colonists probably wouldn’t have been able to win the war. Some drawbacks would be the low rate of fire due to the reloading process. -
Articles of Confedration Issued
The Articles of Confederation established the function of national government of the United States after it declared independence from Great Britain. It also prevented the individual states from conducting their own foreign diplomacy (“U.S Department of States”). But the Articles of Confederation wasn’t all that great. The articles made it too difficult for Congress to pass legislation. -
Encampment of Valley Forge
This was America’s turning point during the American Revolution. Washington troops spent their winter in Valley Forge. It was all going good until the food availability was starting to get low. The only thing the troops had to eat was fire cake and water. Once the food got low the troops health started to decline. The smallpox virus started to spread and was starting to kill people because it was so contagious. -
France Becomes an Ally
During this day, Benjamin Franklin was in France signing the Treaty of Amity and Commerce and also the Treaty of Alliance. The Treaty of Amity and Commerce recognized the United States an independent nation and promoted trade with France and America (“America’s Library”). The second treaty allowed the U.S. and France as allies against Britain in the American Revolution. -
Red Coats
The Red Coats were British soldiers during the American Revolution. The Red Coats were semi professional. They came from the lowest social order, and most of them were ex-convicts with no prior civilian life (“Red Coats”). The big names that were part of the Red Coats were General Burgoyne, General Cornwallis, General Clinton, and General Howe. Also the Redcoats had little discipline of themselves. The Redcoats fought over women, gambled, and they were also heavy drinkers. -
Patriots
The Patriots were the people that wanted the American colonies to gain independence from Great Britain. These people wanted to be able to say that the United States is a free country. Some famous Patriots were: Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, Ethan Allen, Patrick Henry, and Ben Franklin, John Adams, and also Thomas Jefferson. -
Battle of Yorktown
The Battle of Yorktown was a military conflict between Great Britain and the the 13 colonies. The French Navy helped keep the British away from Chesapeake Bay. French troops were led by by General Jean-Baptiste Rochambeau and brought 17,000 soldiers. The British was led by General Cornwallis and brought 8,000 troops. By the end of the war both sides signed a formal agreement of British surrender on October 19 (“America’s Story”). This means that it was end of fighting and start for American -
King George III
King George III was known as the “The King of England” during the revolution. He was involved in the American Revolution since 1775. King George took it hard on himself when England lost the American colonies. After he lost the colonies he still continued the American Revolution even though he lost the colonies. King George III didn’t stop fighting until the Treaty of Paris was signed in 1783.
