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Lexington and Concord
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. -
Period: to
Revolutionary War
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Second Continental Congress meets
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. -
George Washington named Commander in Chief
George Washington named Commander in Chief by Second Continental Congress. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
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. -
"Common Sense" published
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" pamphlet published. Advocated for people to join in the fight for independence from Great Britain. -
The Virginia Declaration of Rights
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 -
First Virginia Constitution
defines and limits the powers of the state government and the basic rights of the citizens. Enacted with the Declaration of independence. -
Congress Adopts Declaraion of Independence
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. -
Declaration signing begins
Delegates begin to sign Declaration of Independence -
Battle of Long Island
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. -
Brittish occupy New York City
After Brittish victory at the Battle of Long Island, Brittish occupy New York City, gave British strategic control of the city and ports -
Battle of Trenton
Washington and his army cross the Delaware river and capture Tenton from the Hessians in a surprise attack at night. -
Battle of Ridgefield
Benedict Arnold's troops force a British retreat at Ridgefield, Conneticut. -
Flag Resolution
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. -
Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
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 -
Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia
French aristocrat arrives in Philadelphia with intentions of becoming Washington's second in command. Commisioned as major-general on July 31. -
Battle of Bennington
American militia under command of George Stark defeat brittish in Bennington, Vermont as part of the Saratoga campaigne. -
British Occupation of Philadelphia
Under command of General Howe, Brittish forces take Philadelphia. The Second Continental Congress had been stationed in Philadelphia; Colonial forces retreat to Valley Forge. -
Saratoga
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. -
French Alliance
The United States and French sign the French Alliance, creating an alliance between the american forces and the French against the British. -
Henry Clinton becomes new commander of British Army
Brittish General William Howe is Replaced by Henry Clinton -
British leave Philadelphia
British abandon Philadelphia under Henry Clinton and return to New York after almost nine months of occupation -
British occupy Savannah
British take Savannah, Georgia. major area of agriculture and port area; damaging to colonies. -
Spain declares war on Great Britain
Spain declares war on GB, siding with American and French forces, making the Revlolutionary war a world war. -
Phillipsburg Proclamation
Issued by Henry Clinton to attract African American population to side withthe british -
British capture Charleston
British capture Charleston, South Carolina. Huge blow for United States because of the large amount of supplies that came through the port. -
French troops arrive in Newport
French troops arrive in Newport, Rhode Island to support American war effort. -
Greene becomes commander of Southern army
Washington names Nathanael Greene commander of Southern forces. -
Articles of Confederation adopted
established the United States of America as a confederation of sovereign states and served as its first constitution -
Guliford Courthouse
Costly British victory at Guliford Courthouse in North Carolina. Considered pivitol point to war; led Cornwallis into Yorktown to face Washington. -
Patriots recapture Augusta, GA
Andrew Pickens and Lt. Col. Lee sent to assist patriot forces in the recapture of Augusta from loyalists. -
French drive British from Chesapeake Bay
French fleet drive British from Chesapeake, giving back patriot access to Chesapeake bay -
American victory at Yorktown
Cornwallis surrounded by land and sea by American and French forces and surrenders at Yorktown, VA. Ending battle; United States wins war for independence. -
Preliminary articles of peace signed
Americans and British sign preliminary Articles of Peace. -
Treaty of Paris signed
United States and Britain sign The Treaty of Paris, declaring peace between the two nations and the recognization of American independence by Britain -
US constitution signed
US constitution signed by delegates of the states; acts as supreme law of the United States. -
Constitution adopted
US constitution adopted when New Hampshire ratifies it -
George Washington becomes first US president
George Washington takes oath of office becoming first president of the United States -
Ratification of US Constitution
US Constitution ratified when North Carolina because twelfth state to ratify it when a bill of rights was proposed.
