Mrs. Brown's American History Class: Christina McReynolds Am Rev

The First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

SourceFrom September 5th to October 26th, 1774 the First Continental Congress met at Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia. Delegates from almost every colony were sent.The idea of the Congress was to join together against Britian. Unfortunatly the colonies couldn't stay unified. Some wanted to resolve conflics with Britian while others wished to seperate. On October 14th they made the Declaration of Resolves and voted to meet again next year if it wasn't followed.

Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

Source In the middle of the night regiments of British troops were sent out. They planned to attck Lexington where they would capture Sam Adams and John Hancock then on the Concord where they could steal gunpowder. The plan was overheard and men riding on horseback including Paul Revere road ahead to warn the people. Men know was minutemen were ready to take up arms at a moments notice and defend their cities. They were outnumbered but this event lead to the beggining of the Revolution.

The Second Continental Congress

May 10, 1775

Source The Second Continental Congress met about a year after the first. The battle of Lexington had just occured so many colonists were angry with the British. There were a few new delegated including John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. The Congress established the Continental Army as an army for all the thirteen colonies and appointed George Washington the Comander and Chief.

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 17, 1775

Source The British forces planned a suprise attack on the American rebels at Charlestown Heights in Massachusetts. The Americans fought a good battle, waiting to attack until the enemy was close. Eventually the Americans were driven out and the British won the battle but this did not mean the American's had not fought an amazing battle. There were an estimated 440 American's killed or wounded while the British has 1150 killed or wounded. Though this battle lost it still gave Americans hope.

The Olive Branch Petition

Jul 5, 1775

Source, Copy of Olive Branch Pettition This was a letter sent to King George by those at the Second Continental Congress and was a last chance to have peace. It has also been called The Second Petition to the King and The Humble Pettition. The King however ignored the pettition and the war of Independence followed soon after.

Common Sense published

Jan 9, 1776

Source, Copy of Common SenseThe writter Thomas Paine published his pamphlet Common Sense which spoke of his views on why America should become it's own independent country. This is considered one of the most influencial pamphlets in America's history. It swayed even those who considered themself to be British to the side of the rebellion. He spoke of England and it's King as a tyrant to which they must seperate themselves.

The Declaration of Independence

Jul 4, 1776

Source, Copy of the Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence is one of America's most importatant symbols of liberty. It was draffted by Thomas Jefferson and signed by delegates from all of the thirteen colonies. It's signing marked the countries long struggle for independence from Britian. July 4th is now celebrated yearly as American Independence Day.

Trenton

Dec 26, 1776

Map of Battle of Trenton, Source George Washington planned this suprise attack on Trenton in the early hours of December 26th the day after Christmas. Washington carefully planned this attack knowing all those supporting to revolution were starting to doubt they could ever win this war. Washington and his forces suprised the enemy capturing 918. This win went on to motivate the people of the colonies and those fighting for freedom.

Princeton

Jan 3, 1777

Source Shortly after the battle of Trenton the battle of Princeton took place. The battle took place in Princeton, New Jersey early in the year of 1777. This battle was yet another remarkable for the Americans and exactly what they needed to fuel the idea that they could possibly win the war. Once again George Washington was the one to lead the 4500 men into battle, they captured an estimated 280 British and drove them away.

Saratoga

Oct 7, 1777

Map of Saratoga Source There were many battles at Saratoga from September 19th to the last one on October 7th 1777. This time is often thought of as the turning point of the American Revolution The first battle was won by the British as a result of the good planning of General John Bergoyne. The next battle however was won by the Americans and the British were forced to surrender to them on October 17th,

Valley Forge

Period: Dec 1, 1777 to Jun 1, 1778

Military Journal of George Ewing, Source Valley Forge was a base camp for the American Continental Army just outside of Pennsylvania. Much of the time spent at this camp was difficult. The troops had very little supplies most of them didn't even have shoes. The over 11000 troops were often starving, cold, and without shelter. They were also short on guns and had very little money to buy these necessities.

Savannah

Dec 29, 1778

Source The British needed to regain control over the Americans after the Americans defeated them so many times. 3100 men were sent to capture Savannah. This far out numbered those Americans who were holding Savannah. The British wanted to return the colony of Georgia to British control. The British took Savannah leaving over 500 captured, killed, or injured. This was a big defeat for the Americans.

Charlestown

Mar 29, 1780

Map of Charlestown Source The seige at Charlestown was yet another loss for the American Colonies in the Southern Colonies. This was close to then end of the American revolution. The battle lasted over six weeks. The Colonists fought a good battle but the British had over double the amount of troops and were much better supplied. After a long battle Major General Benjamin Lincoln was forced to surrender.

Yorktown

Oct 17, 1781

Video about YorktownSource The battle of Yorktown started in 1777 but lasted all the way until 1781. The British troops were camped out in Yorktown, Virgina. George Washington planned the surprise attack on Yorktown by giving false information to the British. The British thought the Americans were going to New York while they actually they surrounded the British. They were unable to get reinforcements so they had to surrender which ended the American Revoution.

Treaty of Paris

Sep 3, 1783

Source, Copy of Treaty The Treaty of Paris was signed to mark the end of the American Revolution. Each of the countries involved had many terms they agreed to in order to get what they wanted. One of these involved the massive expansion to the territory of the United States. This was a treaty of peace between Britian, America, France, Spain, and the Netherlands. It was also the offical founding of the United States.