Road to Revolution 5.3 & 5.4

Continental Congress Meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies (except Georgia) has 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 Sons of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming... The British are coming." Accompanied by Samuel Prescott and William Dawes (the ones who actually rode until midnight).

Battles of Lexington and Concord

Apr 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington - 1st battle of American Revolutionary War
“shot heard round the world” -Ralph Waldo Emerson
BRITISH Victory Battle of Concord - Americans Stop British and force them to retreat back to Boston
AMERICAN Victory

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold & Ethan Allen capture the fort at night Americans capture much needed supplies and ammunition in the fort including cannons AMERICAN Victory

Second Continental Congress Meet

May 10, 1775

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 King George III to protect their rights.
-King hires 30k Hessain 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 BRITISH Victory (Americans ran out of ammunition). British learn defeating Americans would NOT be easy.

Washington arrives on 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. "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 at 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 meet again

Jun 15, 1776

Debate on declaring independence. Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document.

Second Continental Congress votes for Independence

Jul 2, 1776

All 13 colonies vote YES for declaring independence.

The Declaration of Independence is signed!

Jul 4, 1776