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All colonies but Georgia had representatives. They voted to send a "statement of grievances". They also voted to boycott all trade with Britain. Patrick Henry, a representative for Virginia, urged the colonists to unite against Britain.
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General Gage brings thousands of British soldiers to Boston with more on the way.
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Paul Revere rides to warn the Sons of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming...The British are coming...".
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The Battle of Lexington is officially considered the first battle of the American Revolutionary War. During this, what is heard is the "shot heard round the world" (Ralph Waldo Emerson). The battle ended in a British victory. At the Battle of Concord, the Americans stop the British and force them to retreat back to Boston. The battle is resolved in an American victory.
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At this meeting, the Second Continental Congress printed their own money, set up a post office, and created the Continental Army, led by George Washington. They also sent the Olive Branch Petition, asking the King to protect their rights, but the King hired 30,000 Hessian soldiers in response.
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Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen capture the fort and get all supplies in the fort including cannons, ending in an American victory.
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Washington realized that the men were disorganized and needed discipline. His army also needed weapons.
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The battle was fought on Breed's Hill. William Prescott said, "Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes.". The battle was a British victory as the Americans ran out of ammunition. The British learned from this that defeating the Americans would not be easy.
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This pamphlet inspired more colonists to become Patriots. In Common Sense, Thomas Paine wrote, "Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART".
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Washington believed his army was ready and the weapons finally arrived. He then put the cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston. The British retreated, giving the Americans a victory.
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All thirteen colonies voted in favor of independence, except for New York, which announced its support later.
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INSERT FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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When the Second Continental Congress met again, they debated on declaring independence. Thomas Jefferson became the primary author of the document.