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Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence; it’s sent to the printer
"The Declaration of Independence was a statement adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, which announced that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as independent states, and no longer a part of the British Empire. John Adams had put forth a resolution earlier in the year, making a subsequent formal declaration inevitable. A committee was assembled to draft the formal declaration, to be ready when congress voted on independence." (2) -
Washington’s army retires to winter quarters at Valley Forge
“General Washington led his weary and demoralized army to Valley Forge, where they would camp for the winter and prepare for battle with the return of warm weather. Conditions in the camp were horrendous. Forced to live in damp, crowded quarters, Washington's army of approximately 12,000 suffered from a lack of adequate clothing and food. Diseases such as typhoid, dysentery, typhus and pneumonia ran rampant. An estimated 2,000 died.” (3) -
The United States and France sign the French Alliance
“After the Battle of Saratoga, Congress decided to seek French support in the war. They sent Benjamin Franklin, who could speak French, to meet with King Louis XVI and the French foreign minister. France wanted to get revenge on Britain for the defeat in the French and Indian War. They also wanted to ensure that Britain and America don't resolve their differences. In February 1778, France and America signed a treaty which put France at war with Britain. "(4) -
American attempt to recapture Savannah, GA fails
“In 1778 the British forces invaded Savannah, Georgia and captured the city from the Americans. On October 9, 1779 the Americans attempted to recapture the city. A combined attack from the Americans and their French allies failed and lost significant casualties. Over 5,000 American and French land troops and more than 40 American and French ships were no match for the almost 3,000 British troops.”(5) -
French troops arrive at Newport, RI, to aid the American cause
“Comte de Rochambeau landed in Newport, Rhode Island with a strong naval fleet and 5,000 French troops to assist the patriots' cause. George Washington planned to combine his army with Rochambeau's and attack Sir Henry Clinton in New York, but the attack never materialized.”(6) -
Articles of Confederation adopted
"In June 1776, the Continental Congress began to work on a plan for a central government. It took five years for it to be approved, first by members of Congress and then by the states. The first attempt at a constitution for the United States was called the Articles of Confederation."(7) -
The United States and Great Britain sign Treaty of Paris
"Finally, in February of 1783 George III issued his Proclamation of Cessation of Hostilities, culminating in the Peace Treaty of 1783. Signed in Paris on September 3, 1783, the agreement — also known as the Paris Peace Treaty — formally ended the United States War for Independence."(8)
