Road to Independence

First Continental Congress Meets

Sep 5, 1773

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 british.

Midnight ride of Paul Revere

Apr 18, 1775

Paul Revere rides to warn the Sons of Liberty in Lexinton and concord that the British are coming The British Are Coming.

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington 1st battle of American Revolutionary War "shot heard the world"- Ralph Waldo Emerson British Victory

Second Continental Congress Meets

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 Hessians soldiers in response.

Bunker of Bunker Hill

Jun 16, 1775

fought on Breed's Hill map
Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes- William Prescott
British Victory British learned defeating Americans would not be easy.

Washington Arrives on Outskirts of Boston with Continental Troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realizes men are disorganized & need discipline they also need 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 on declaring independence

The Declaration of Independence is Signed

Jul 4, 1776