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First Continental Congress
A group made up of delegates and representatives met in Philadelphia to discuss drafted resolutions to address colonial injustice. Of them was George Washington, Samuel Adams, and Patrick Henry. They sent out documents to Great Britain asking for the right to participate in free government. They also organized a complete boycott of British Goods. Lastly, They pledged to come back together later. -
Intolerable Act
The Intolerable Acts was passed by the Parliament in response to the Boston tea party. The acts shut down the Boston Harbor until Boston colonist paid for the damaged tea. This act made the colonist upset because they mad their money through the Boston Harbor. -
The Olive Branch Petition
The Olive Branch Petition was written by the Second Continental Congress stating that America was still loyal to The King of Britain. In this petition, Congress begged the King to prevent any further acts of the Patriots against parliament. However, the King refused and officially put the colonies in "Open Rebellion". -
Lexington and Concord
The Battle of Lexington and Concord started when about 70 Minute Men met British soldiers in Lexington. Historians call the first shot that started the battle the "Shot Heard Around The World". British troops killed most of the Minute Men and moved on to Concord destroying any American supplies they came across. However, They were forced to retreat by American Militiamen. The British had 250 deaths while the Americans only had fewer than 100. The Americans had earned their respect. -
Second Continental Congress
Delegates and Representative met once again in Philadelphia. going this time was Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and Thomas Jefferson. Afterwhile, they agreed that a defensive plan was going to have to be set up for rebellion. Washingtons experience in war made him commander-in-chief of the Continental Army -
Battle of Bunker HIll
The Battle of Bunker Hill was fought in Breeds Hill. On June 17, 1775, British General Thomas Gage attacked the Colonial Army with more than 2,000 troops. This was the battle where soldiers were told not to fire until the saw the whites of the British eyes. This gave the Americans better accuracy and mad them more lethal. America lost the war because of their lack of ammunition but more than 1,000 redcoats died. -
Common Sense
Thomas Paine published common sense in order to persuade the colonist to declare freedom from Britain. He urged that a tiny island should not have control over a large continent and he called King George a "Royal Brute”. This propaganda changed many colonist ideas about freedom and they began to take up arms against Britain. -
The Declaration of Independence
The colonist declared American independence from British rule. By defying the king, the colonist was subject to the penalty of treason (which is death). The Americans realized that to Unite was the key to their success as an independent Country -
The Battle of Trenton
After being forced to retreat in New York, Washington and is Troops sailed across the iced Deleware River and successfully captured close to 1,000 German Soldiers from a Hessian base. This victory encouraged men to enlist in the army to help win the war and encouraged those who did their time to re-enlist -
Battle of Princeton
In Princeton, New Jersey, General George Washington leads Continental Soldiers in the battle against British redcoats. The Continental Army emerges victorious. British forces learn that the Continental Army can defeat them! The Continental Soldiers begin to feel confident and continued to fight, boosting America's number of soldiers. -
Battle of Saratoga
General Burgoyne and his troops surrounded British General Gates at Saratoga. The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the Revolutionary War because America began to gain hope and convince France that the colonist could actually win. This is when the French decided to help the colonist out. -
Valley Forge
In Valley Forge, Washington's troops were suffering harsh weather, limited food, limited supplies, and diseases. However, Baron Von Steuben came and helped the troops maintain strength by training. When they got strong, they were led by Washington into Philidelphia. They were so strong they forced the British to move south. -
Battle of Yorktown
In Yorktown, Virginia George Washington and his troops marched over 300 miles from Pensylvania. His plan, to push the opposition, British General Cornwallis' troops, toward the Chesapeake where they would have to fight on two fronts. Washington on land and America's allies, the French on water. Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781. This victory meant as much the rebels as to the French who were already enemies of the British. -
Treaty of Paris
The Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolutionary War. Both nations, The United States and Great Britain, signed this treaty. Britain officially recognized America as an independent nation and pushed Americans to treat loyalist well. As part of the terms of the treaty, America was awarded a chunk of the Ohio River Valley.
