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First military engagements of the Revolutionary War. The "shot heard round the world" sparked an uproar in the colonists; more individuals were willing to defy the king.
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Delegates from the thirteen colonies discussed the radical possibility of independence from Great Britain; George Washington appointed as commander of the Continental army
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The inexperienced Continental army inflicted significant casualties against the British. Although the British were victorious, the Battle of Bunker Hill gave colonists a sense of hope in the war.
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Patriot forces under Benedict Arnold failed to capture the British-occupied city of Quebec. This was a major defeat for the Continental army since they would have gained support for the American cause in Canada had they won.
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Thomas Paine published his pamphlet "Common Sense" where he makes a compelling argument for American independence. Essentially, Paine explains that once individuals are separated and capable of functioning on their own as a united nation, then it only makes sense for them to govern their own nation. Paine's pamphlet influenced colonists to fight for their independence.
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The continental congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document formally declared that the colonists were separating from Great Britain. This declaration angered the British; the Revolutionary War was imminent.
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George Washington led a surprise attack on Christmas day. British army was caught off-guard; the Continental army successfully captured nearly 1,000 prisoners, supplies, and equipment.
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The British under Lord Grey launched a devastating strike into General Anthony Wayne's unprepared American camp. 53 Americans were killed and approximately 100 more were wounded.
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General Burgoyne proceeded to Albany from British-occupied Quebec. The Continental army stopped and defeated Burgoyne and his troops. The American victory convinced the French government to enter the war as their ally.
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The American Continental Army spend the Winter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Nearly a quarter of Washington's army did not survive due to starvation, disease, and freezing temperatures. Those that did survive were trained under a Prussian military system, which made them better suited for battle.