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The first battles between the colonists and the British soldiers in Massachusetts. It marked the beginning of the American Revolutionary War. It was known as "The Shot Heard Round the World!".
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Delegates from the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia. They created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as commander.
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The Colonial army fought the British troops near Boston. The British technically won. Heavy losses showed that the colonists could stand up to the British.
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The Americans attempted to capture Quebec from the British. Americans were defeated. This ended the hope of bringing Canada into the fight.
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This was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. It argued for independence and inspired colonists to break away from Britain.
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The Second Continental Congress formally declared independence from Britain. This created the United States of America. The colonies had separated from Britain.
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Washington's army crossed the Delaware River and surprised the Hessians in Trenton, NJ. It was a huge boost in morale.
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American forces defeated the British in New York. It was the turning point of the war. It convinced France to support the American cause.
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Anthony Wayne led a surprise British attack by night on American forces in Pennsylvania. Many American soldiers were killed or wounded. This just increased anger towards the British and calls for revenge.
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Washington's army spent a harsh winter training. The army actually emerged stronger and better under Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben.