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Parliament passed an act banning trade between the New England colonies and any other country besides Great Britain.
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Minute Men and British troops met at Lexington, where a shot from a stray British gun lead to more British firing
The British marched on to Concord and destroyed some ammunition, but soon found the countryside swarming with militia -
The Second Continental Congress convened in Philadelphia on May 10. John Hancock was elected president of Congress.
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On June 15, Washington was nominated to lead the army; he accepted the next day.
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Thomas Paine moved many to the cause of independence with his pamphlet titled “Common Sense.”
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, the Second Continental Congress recommended that the colonies establish new governments based on the authority of the people of the respective colonies rather than on the British Crown.
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Congress voted in favor of independence,
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Declaration of Independence was approved.
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Washington launched a surprise attack against a British fortification at Trenton, New Jersey, that was staffed by Hessian soldiers
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Congress declared that the flag of the United States would consist of thirteen alternating red and white stripes, and a blue field with thirteen white stars.
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The “Convention of Saratoga” called for Burgoyne’s army to be sent back to England, and for each soldier to pledge not to serve again in the war against the colonies.