Road to Independence

First Continental Congress

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies but Georgia have representatives
voted to send a "statement of grievances"
Voted to boycott all British trade
Patrick Henry- VA rep. urged colonists to unite against Britain

1,000's of Redcoats in Boston

Apr 1, 1775

General Gage brings thousands of British soldiers to Boston with more on the way.

Midnight ride of Paul Revere

Apr 18, 1775

Paul Revere rides to warn the Son of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming!! The British are coming!!!"

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

-Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen capture the fort
-Get all supplies in the fort including cannons
-American Victory

Second Continental Congress meet

May 10, 1775

-Printed $$$$
-Set up post office
-Created Continental Army led by George Washington
-Sent Olive Branch asking King to protect their rights
-King hires 30,000 Hessian Soldiers in response

Battle of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

fought on Breed's Hill
"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes."-William Prescott

Washington arrives on the outskirts of Boston with Continental troops

Jul 15, 1775

-Realizes men are disorganized & need discipline
-Needs weapons

"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

-pamphlet inspires more colonists to become patriots
-"Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART"- Thomas Paine, Common Sense

British Surrender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

-Washington believes his army is ready & weapons arrive
-Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston
-BRITISH retreat - AMERICAN Victory

Second Continental Congress votes for independence

Jul 2, 1776

All 13 colonies vote YES to vote independence

The Declaration of Independence is signed!

Jul 4, 1776