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Lexington and Concord
British troops march into the cities looking to seize ammunitions. The beginnings of the fights killed a few, but as the British fell back to Boston, the Patriots ambushed them. British casualites numbered 73 dead, 174 wounded, and 26 missing. American casualties numbered 49 dead and 39 wounded. -
Second Continental Congress
The Second Continental Congress begins in the city of Philadelphia -
George Washington Appointed Command in Chief
John Adams calls for the appointing of Washington as Command in Chief. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
3000 British troops attack Patriot fortifications on Breed's and Bunker Hill. Casualties numbered around 1000. British victory. -
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" Published
Thomas Paine's pamphlet incited a sense of patriotism in the American people. It called for independence and a republican government. -
Virginia Declaration of Rights
Proclaimed the inherent rights of men, such as the right to rebel against an inadequate government. -
The First Virginia Constitution
Document emphasizing the idea that Britain was treating Virginia unfairly and that they had the right to rebel. Established separation of government powers. George Mason and James Madison aided in drafting the document. -
Declaration of Independence is sent to be published
After being written, reviewed, and approved, the Declaration of Independence is sent to be printed. -
Battle of Long Island
General Howe attempts to seize control of the Hudson River to isolate the Patriots. Howe outflanks and defeats Washington's army. Washington and his troops escape through the cover of fog to live another day. -
British occupy New York City
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Delaware Crossing and Battle of Trenton
On Christmas night, Washington crosses the Delaware and launches a surprise attack on Trenton, catching 1000 Hessian troops off guard, and forcing their surrender. -
Battle at Princeton
Continental Army won small victory at Princeton. -
Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia
Lafayette becomes a General in the Continental Army -
British Seize Philadelphia
Instead of following the plan to converge on Albany, Howe instructs his troops to attack Philadelphia, where the Continental Congress was headquartered. They managed to seize the city, but the congress was able to flee to the countryside. -
Battle of Saratoga
Expecting Howe to arrive with his army, British forces overestimated their resources and numbers, forcing them to resort to raiding nearby houses. The Patriots attacked, and the British were forced to surrender. Considered the turning point in the war. -
Beginning of Valley Forge
Washington and his army prepare for winter at Valley Forge. Low on food, supplies, and morale, it does not bode well. -
Baron von Steuben becomes an inspector General
von Steuben trains the Continental army into a disciplined, professional, and tougher army. -
United States and France sign the Treat of Alliance
An alliance is formed between the French and the Americans. They say that neither of them will back out of the war until it is over. -
Howe is replaced by Henry Clinton
Howe steps down as Commander of the English forces, and Sir Henry Clinton comes in to replace him. -
Washington's army leaves Valley Forge
They recover from the winter and prepare to go on the move again. -
Battle of Monmouth Court House
Indecisive engagement fought at Momouth, New Jersey. American forces attacked the rear of British forces. Both sides claim to have won, so it is considered a draw. -
British occupy Savannah
The British decide to put more focus into the South of the American colonies, and move forces into Savannah. -
Spain declares war on Great Britain
Spain declares war on Great Britain. Created more pressure on the British to defend areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar. -
American attempt to reclaim Savannah
American forces attempt to take the city of Savannah, Georgia back from the British, but fail to do so. -
British capture Charleston
British forces move up into Charleston, South Carolina. -
Washington names Nathaniel Greene commander of the Southern Army
After serving as a quartermaster since Valley Forge, Nathaniel Greene is finally given his chance to serve as commander. -
Articles of Confederation adopted
The articles provided for a union in which each state retained its sovereignty, freedom, and indepenence. Lacked the power to tax states and people. -
British win at Guilford Courthouse
Cornwallis defeats Greene at Guilford Courthouse, NC, but suffers so many casualties that it is considered a strategic win for the Patriots. -
French fleet drives away British naval forces from Chesapeake
A fleet of French ships blockades the Chesapeake bay, keeping British naval forces from entering and exiting the bay. Part of the strategy to defeat the British at Yorktown. -
Surrender at Yorktown
Cornwallis is surrounded both on land and sea, and is forced to surrender, ending the war. -
British and American sign Articles of Peace
Proclaimed peace between America and Britain. Precursor to the Treaty of Paris -
US and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris
Formally recognized American Independence. Britian relinquished its claims on lands south of the Great Lakes and east of the Mississippi river. Granted American fishing rights off Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. -
Washington resigns as commander
Washington steps down from his position of Command in Cheif of the Continental Army. -
US Constitution signed.
The United States Constitution is finally signed. -
Constitution adopted, when New Hampshire ratifies it
Constitution adopted by the newborn country of the United States of America.
