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The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equally, and that they are ewdowed by their creator with certain unaliable rights, and that they can pursuit happines living there own life. -
The British General Howe planned to use New York as a base. The British captured Staten Island and began a military build-up on Long Island in preparation for an advance on Brooklyn. Washington succeeded in saving his army by secretly retreating onto Manhattan Island. -
Washington and his army retreated across New Jersey, crossing the Delaware River into Pennsylvania. Congress, fearing a British attack on Philadelphia, fled to Baltimore. -
Washigton basically suprised attacked against a British fortification at Trenton, New Jersey, that was staffed by Hessian soldiers. After one hour of confused fighting, Soon the Hessians surrendered. Only five American soldiers died. -
British General Howe reacted to the Battle of Trenton by sending a large force of men to New Jersey. At Princeton, Washington once again launched a surprise attack, and succeeded in defeating the British. -
France and America formed an alliance, negotiated by Benjamin Franklin, stating that each would consider eachother for trade and friendship; France would be obligated to fight for American independence; and America would be obligated to stand by France if war should occur between France and Great Britain. -
British headed to New York, Washington left Valley Forge to follow.The Battle of Monmouth, American General Charles Lee gave multiple confused orders, and then ordered a sudden retreat. Washington's arrival on the scene saved the battle, most of the british got away. -
French and American forces joined at Yorktown, on land and at sea, and attacked British fortifications. British General Cornwallis soon surrendered, British lost hope of winning the war with America. -
A group of soldiers from Pennsylvania marched on Congress, demanding their pay. Armed and angry, they surrounded Independence Hall. -
Congress arranged for surveys to divide the western territories into townships, with one lot in each town set aside as a site for a public school. -
Congress announced that the Constitution had been adopted. By September, a committee had prepared for the change in government, naming New York City as the temporary official capital, and setting dates for elections and for the meeting of the first Congress under the new Constitution. -
President Washigton sent copies of the 12 amendments atopted by the Congress to the states. Three-forths of the states had ratified all 10 of these soon known as the "Bill of Right."