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Continental Congress meets
all colonies but Georgia had representatives
voted to send a "statement of grievances" -
Thousands of Redcoats in Boston
General Gage brings thousands of British soldiers to Boston with more on the way. -
Midnight ride of Paul Revere
Paul Revere rides to warn the Sons of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming...The British are coming..." Accompanied by Samuel Prescott and William Bawes (the ones who actually rode until midnight) -
Battles of Lexington and Concord
Battle of Lexington- First battle of America revolutionary war
-"Shot heard round the world"- Ralph Emerson
-BRITISH victory
Battle of concord- Americans stops British and force them to retreat back to Boston -
Capture of Fort Ticonderoga
Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen captured the fort at night.Americans capture much needed supplies and ammunition in the fort including cannons. -
Second Continental Congress meet
Print money (Change from British pounds to American dollars)
-Set up post office
-Created Continental Army led by George Washington
-Sent olive Branch Petition asking for King George lll to protect their rights. -
Washington arrives on outskirts of Boston with Continental troops
-Realizes men are disorganized & need discipline
-Need weapons -
"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine
-Pamphlet inspires more colonies to become patriots
-"Everything 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
-Washington believes his army is ready & weapons arrive
-Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston
-BRITISH retreat- AMERICAN victory -
Second Continental Congress meet again
-Debate on declaring independence from Great Britain
-Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document -
Second Continental Congress votes for Independence
-All 13 colonies voted YES on declaring independence -
The declaration of Independence is signed!
