-
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Lexington and Concord are the first official battles of the Revolutionary War. Origin of the phrase "shot heard 'round the World. -
Period: to
The American Revolution (1775-1789)
TImeline of American Revolution from Lexington and Concord to the Ratification of the Constitution -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Fought in Charlestown, Mass. Although techically a British victory, the Americans benefitted more from this battle than the British did. American tactics and perserverance show that the Americans stand a chance in the Revolution. American soldiers were famously told "don't fire til you see the whites of their eyes". May have been an American victory if they had not run out of ammuntion. -
Recall of Thomas Gage and replacement by William Howe
Gage was the Commander-in-Chief of Britain's North American forces. Presided during rising tensions in America, some attriubte him to start of Revolution. He was recalled from his position after the Battle of Bunker Hill. Replaced by William Howe -
George Washington established as Commander-in-Chief
George Washington oversaw the American troops for the duration of the American Revolution. His leadership and decision making were crucial to American success. He remained rank of Major General during the war and was later promoted to Lieutenant General and finally General of the Armies of the United States posthumously. -
Nathaniel Green made one of four Major Generals of Continental Army
Nathaniel Greene was known for his success in the Southern Campaign and for his intelligence as a leader in the Continental Army. He was able to provide for his troops by borrowing from regular citizens who were all payed back after the war. Emerged from Revolution as one of Washington's most valuable officers. -
Battle of Long Island
Battle over control of Manhattan, devastating loss for Americans. An overlook in American defensive strategy allowed the British to penetrate American defensive measures. George Washington and troops forced to retreat. George Washington is able to withdraw all troops from the island during a bout of inclement weather without alerting the British, stationed only a few hundred yards away. -
Battle of Trenton
Important battle for American morale. George Washington and American troops cross the Delaware River on the night of Christmas with intention to attack Hessian troops stationed in Trenton. As planned by Washington, the Hessians were caught off guard by the attacks, and were forced to surrender. Was a last ditch effort for Washington that payed off by boosting morale and increasing enlistment. -
Battle of Saratoga
Turning point in Revolutionary War. British General Burgoyne and his troops were surrounded by Americans with no additional British forces for help despite expecting a similar army to arrive from the north. Burgoyne was forced to surrender, and as a result, the French joined the American cause. -
Resignation of William Howe and replacement by Henry Clinton
Oversaw the Revolution during 1776 and 1777 and was involved in British capture of New York and Philadelphia. He failed to capture New Jersey and contributed to the failure of Burogoyne's Saratoga Campaign by taking Philadelphia. He resigned in early 1778 and was replaced by Sir Henry Clinton. -
Treaty of Alliance signed
The Treaty of Alliance was signed by the French and Americans making a military alliance between the two armies. French military assistance was crucial to the eventual American victory, especially during the Battle of Yorktown. -
Friedrich von Steuben begins service in Continental Army
Friedrich von Stueben was a Prussian military officer who became a "father of the Continental Army" after training troops at Valley Forge and became Washington's Chief of Staff until Washington's death. The training tactics of von Stueben created a much more trained and professional army. By creating a "model company" of 120 men who could then train lower units, he was able to make efficient use of time at Valley Forge. Wrote a training manual which would be used until the War of 1812. -
Constitution of the United States ratified
The three members of the convention who were also part of the current Congress suggested adaptation of the Constitution to congress, and after some debate, Congress resolved to submit the Constitution. North Carolina and Rhode Island ratify the Constitution in May 1790. -
Treaty of Aranjuez signed
Treaty signed by French and Spanish leading to Spanish alliance with America and France. France agrees to help Spain in capture of Gibraltar and Florida in exchange for Spanish involvement in the war against Britain. -
Articles of Confederation ratified
First constitution of America after the revolution written by the Second Continental Congress. Many quickly realized that the Articles of Confederation were inadequate for the governance of the new country. Confederation Congress eventually moves to revise the Articles. -
Battle of Cowpens
This battle despite its importance is often overlooked. An American victory here changed the British presence in South Carolina by taking back land that had previously been dominated by the British. American General Daniel Morgan uses unconventional strategy against British that allows the Americans an easier victory. This battle and the Battle of Kings Mountain very crucial to the Southern Campaign of the Revolution. -
Battle of Yorktown
Last major land battle of the American Revolution and insturmental in the overall American victory over the British. The combined forces of Americans under George Washington and French under Comte de Rochambeau overpowered British troops under General Cornwallis. Surrender by Cornwallis effectively ends the war. 'MURICA -
Replacement of Henry Clinton by Guy Carleton
Clinton oversaw British forces from 1778-1782 during which the British retreated from Philadelphia and landing more troops in the south as part of the "Southern Strategy". He was a key part in Benedict Arnold's change in loyalty. After defeat of Cornwallis in Yorktown, he is replaced by Sir Guy Carleton. -
Treaty of Paris signed
Signed by America and Britain, ended the Revolutionary War. America, France, Spain, and the Dutch all have seperate agreements. The United States are given a generous amount of Land -
Constitutional Convention begins
The Constituional Convention was formed to amend the Articles of Confederation however, many people, including James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, intended to create an entirely new form of governance. Although it formally began on May 14th, delegates are not all present until the 25th. -
Virginia Plan put before Constitutional Convention
The Virginia Plan was drafted by James Madison while waiting for the Constitutional Convention to begin. The plan set the overall agenda for the Convention and broadened intentions of the delegates present. -
Final Draft of Constitution placed before Convention
During a hiatus from August 6th to September 10th the newly appointed, 5 man "Committee of Detail" worked to draft a detailed constitution. Their work was put forth during the last session of the Constitution Convention. Several delegates were dissapointed and left, but the supporters began to obtain unanimous support the states represented.
