Road to Revolution 5.3 & 5.4

Continental Congress meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonist but Georgia have representatives. Voted to send a "statement of grievances". Voted to boycott all British Trade. Patrick Henry- VA rep. urged colonist 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 if Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming... The British are coming.."

Battle of Lexington & Concord

Apr 19, 1775

Battle of Lexington - 1st battle of American Revolutionary war. "The shot heard around the world" -Ralph Waldo Emerson
-British Victory
Battle of Concord - Americans stoop British and force them to retreat back to Boston.

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

Print $$$$.
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's 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

Realize men are disorganized & meed discipline.
Needs weapons.

"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

Pamphlet inspires more colonist to become patriots.
"Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice if 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 Contiental Congress meet again

Jun 15, 1776

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

Second Continental Congress votes for Independence

Jul 2, 1776

The Declaration of Independence is signed!

Jul 4, 1776