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Minute men and British soldiers battle at Lexington and Condord, known as "the shot heard around the world". British has original intentions of capturing Samuel Adams at Lexington, the raiding the gunpowder supply in concord, but were held off by the minutemen militia. British moved past Lexington but were pushed back and suffered many casualties at Concord.
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The Second Continental congress meets in Philadelphia. Was a meeting of delegates from the thirteen colonies to discuss revolutionary war efforts. Created important documents and implemented decisions in commanders and ultimate goals of war effort.
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George Washington named Commander in Chief by Second Continental Congress.
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Most fighting occured on Breed's hill during the Siege of Boston. despite American loss, significant casualties were inflicted onto the British. Acted as boost in confidence for the colonies.
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Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" pamphlet published. Advocated for people to join in the fight for independence from Great Britain.
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Drafted to proclaim the rights of men, including the right to rebel against an inadequate government. influenced many later documents, such as the Declaration of Independence
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defines and limits the powers of the state government and the basic rights of the citizens. Enacted with the Declaration of independence.
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Declaration of independence adopted by congress. Sent to printer. States independence from Great Britain, drafted largely in part by Jefferson. Read publically on July 8th.
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Delegates begin to sign Declaration of Independence
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Also known as the Battle of Brooklyn, Redcoats defeat Washington's army in battle of Long Island. Washington is almost forced to surrender (only shortly after Declaration of Indepence is signed) but escaped at night.
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After Brittish victory at the Battle of Long Island, Brittish occupy New York City, gave British strategic control of the city and ports
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Washington and his army cross the Delaware river and capture Tenton from the Hessians in a surprise attack at night.
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Benedict Arnold's troops force a British retreat at Ridgefield, Conneticut.
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Second Continental congress resolved to make the flag 13 alternating red and white stripes symbolizing the 13 colonies with the white stars on a blue backing.
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St. Clair surrenders Fort Ticonderoga to the British, an important access point to the Hudson river valley and Canada. Caused and uproar in colonies and militias
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French aristocrat arrives in Philadelphia with intentions of becoming Washington's second in command. Commisioned as major-general on July 31.
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American militia under command of George Stark defeat brittish in Bennington, Vermont as part of the Saratoga campaigne.
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Under command of General Howe, Brittish forces take Philadelphia. The Second Continental Congress had been stationed in Philadelphia; Colonial forces retreat to Valley Forge.
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Burgoyne surrenders to American forces led by General Gates at Saratoga. known as turnignpoint in war because it proved to the French that America was worth Creating an alliance with.
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The United States and French sign the French Alliance, creating an alliance between the american forces and the French against the British.
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Brittish General William Howe is Replaced by Henry Clinton
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British abandon Philadelphia under Henry Clinton and return to New York after almost nine months of occupation
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British take Savannah, Georgia. major area of agriculture and port area; damaging to colonies.
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Spain declares war on GB, siding with American and French forces, making the Revlolutionary war a world war.
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Issued by Henry Clinton to attract African American population to side withthe british
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British capture Charleston, South Carolina. Huge blow for United States because of the large amount of supplies that came through the port.
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French troops arrive in Newport, Rhode Island to support American war effort.
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Washington names Nathanael Greene commander of Southern forces.
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established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution
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Costly British victory at Guliford Courthouse in North Carolina. Considered pivitol point to war; led Cornwallis into Yorktown to face Washington.
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Andrew Pickens and Lt. Col. Lee sent to assist patriot forces in the recapture of Augusta from loyalists.
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French fleet drive British from Chesapeake, giving back patriot access to Chesapeake bay
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Cornwallis surrounded by land and sea by American and French forces and surrenders at Yorktown, VA. Ending battle; United States wins war for independence.
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Americans and British sign preliminary Articles of Peace.
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United States and Britain sign The Treaty of Paris, declaring peace between the two nations and the recognization of American independence by Britain
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US constitution signed by delegates of the states; acts as supreme law of the United States.
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US constitution adopted when New Hampshire ratifies it
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George Washington takes oath of office becoming first president of the United States
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US Constitution ratified when North Carolina because twelfth state to ratify it when a bill of rights was proposed.
