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The adopting of The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence wasn't actually signed on July 4th. On July 4th of 1776 the idea of The Declaration of Independence was adopted. The actual signing of The Declaration wouldn't happen for another month. Our fore fathers decided that July 4th was to be Independence day since that was the day the idea was adopted. www.history.com -
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Signing of Declaration to Constitution and Bill of Rights
The Declaration of Independence was signed on the fourth of July in 1776. It was made as a supposed "break-up" letter to England in protest to unfair taxation without representation and other abuses. The Constitution was made to ensure that no state would have more power than the others. They did not want a controlling government, like England had previously been.
www.constitutionfacts.com
www.archives.gov
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A riot breaks out in New York
When George Washington read the Declaration to the people of New York in front of City Hall, the inspiring words contained in the Declaration brought out the cheers and shouts of joy from the crowd. Later that day, these New Yorkers tore down a statue of thier former king, King George III, to make bullets for the newly formed American Army. www.history.com -
Congress learns of war of words
On this day British General Howe and his brother Admiral Howe dispatched opening peace negotiations to General George Washington but failed to include his title as General; because of this General George Washington refused to accept the dispatch. In response to General Washington's refusal to peace negotiations the Howe brothers asembled the largest European force conceivable to land on Staten Island, New York on the same day Congress was voting on whether or not they approved of the Declaration -
The Signing of The Declaration of Independence
August 2nd of 1776 was the day of the actual signing of The Declaration of Independence. Most delegates signed on this day, but several delegates signed on a later date for reasons unknown to us today. Two delegates are known to have not even signed at all. www.history.com -
London learns of American Independence
News reaches London of Americans' independence. This was extremely important seeing how this opened up a whole new can of worms in itself. -
Redcoats land at Long Island
General Howe's army came for New York, but failed in getting it. The Bristish only lost 400 men compared to the 1000 the Americans suffered. Howe chose not to do what would have ultimately ended the rebellion, therefore the rebellion continued. -
Washington refuses Howe's letter
Washington refuses General William Howe's second letter of reconciliation and gives the New York Convention three reasons for the American retreat from Long Island. These reasons were: the need to reunite his troops, the extreme tiredness of his men and the lack of proper shelter from the elements. -
The Stars and Stripes flies
This was the first time the American flag was flown in battle, during a Revolutionary War battle at Cooch's Bridge in Delaware. -
DeLancey and Hull battle for the Bronx
Lieutenant Colonel James DeLancey Loyalists from New York and Patriot William Hull's brigade from Connecticut engage in a civil war for the Bronx. Patriots referred to the renowned Light Horse troops known as the Westchester Chasseurs as "Delancey's Cowboys". -
General Gates takes command of the southern army
American General Horatio Gates takes command of the southern army. Gates was hoped to be able to revitalize the south. However, Gates' reputation was destroyed by his time in the south. -
Isaac Shelby takes Fort Thicketty, South Carolina
Fort Anderson, otherwise known as Fort Thicketty is located 10 miles south of Cowpens, South Carolina, and was held by a Loyalist garrison. Fort Thicketty was taken by Colonel Isaac Shelby and some 600 other patriots without firing a single shot. Impressive right? -
General Gates goes into battle
General Gates leads his troops into battle against British General Cornwallis at Camden, South Carolina. He is defeated. -
British win at Fishing Creek and lose at Musgrove's Mill
The Loyalists and Patriots are tied 1-1 as far as battles go. Tarleton caught the Americans completely off guard, wounding and capturing over 300, killing 150, and freeing over 100 British prisoners at Fishing Creek, South Carolina. Loyalists only lost 16. In the eyes of the British, Tarleton was a hero. -
Washington creates the Purple Heart
In Newburgh, New York, General George Washington creates a badge known as the "Badge for Military Merit". It is a purple, heart-shaped piece of silk, edged with silver decoration with the word "Merit" stitched across the front in silver. It is a badge awarded to soldiers for "any singularly meritorious action" and permitted its wearer to pass guards without challenge. -
Congress enacts the Northwest Ordinance
Congress enacted the Northwest Ordinance to settle the western territory disputes between the states. Congress knew that if they were to survive as a new nation they had to resolve these conflicts and set up rules and policies.
