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Battles of Lexington and Concord
The war for independence begins at the Battles of Lexington and Concord in MA. The British went to take arms that the colonists had been stockpiling there. -
Period: to
Revolutionary War
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The Second Continental Congress
Delegates from the different colonies meet in Philadelphia to discuss how they want to procede with their relations with the British. -
Washington named Commander in Chief
John Adams nominates George Washington to be the commander in chief of the Continental Army. Washington will be in charge of training and preparing this army for war with England. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Battle fought in MA during the seige of Boston, between the British and the Americans. Overall it was a British victory, but they had many casualities. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Second Continental Congress tries for the last time to send a petition to the King and attempt to make peace with Britain. John Dickinson convinces the other delegates to make this final attempt at peace and hopefully to avoid war with England. -
Adopting of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration stated all men are created equal and are entitled to natural rights. It goes on to list what the King did to the colonies that made them want their independence. -
Signing of the Declaration
Delegates from the different colonies sign the Declaration to show their support and ultimate decision to break from England and declare their independence. -
Washington Crosses the Delaware
Washington decides to cross the Delaware River to attack the British that were located in New Jersey. -
Battle of Trenton
Washington surprises Hessian soldiers stationed in Trenton and is able to get an American victory that raises the spirits of his men. -
Battle of Brandywine
The British defeat the Americans at Brandywine, allowing them to move closer to Philadelphia. -
Battle of Germantown
Washington leads a final attack against the British in order to defend the city of Philadelphia. Due to poor weather, the Americans struggled against the British and ultimately lose and allow the British to take Philadelphia. -
Valley Forge
After losing Philadelphia, Washington retreats to Valley Forge for the winter. There his men struggle with the cold and shortage of food supplies. -
Alliance with France
The Americans are able to make an alliance with France that will help them with supplies and men and influences the outcome of the war. -
Sullivan attacks Iroquois
General John Sullivan leads an attack on the Iroquois Federation. Sullivan destroys more than 40 villages. -
Cornwallis Surrenders
Cornwallis was surrounded on both land and at sea by the Americans and French and finally surrenders at Yorktown VA
