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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.
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The Second Continental Congress begins in the city of Philadelphia
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John Adams calls for the appointing of Washington as Command in Chief.
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3000 British troops attack Patriot fortifications on Breed's and Bunker Hill. Casualties numbered around 1000. British victory.
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Thomas Paine's pamphlet incited a sense of patriotism in the American people. It called for independence and a republican government.
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Proclaimed the inherent rights of men, such as the right to rebel against an inadequate government.
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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.
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After being written, reviewed, and approved, the Declaration of Independence is sent to be printed.
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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.
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On Christmas night, Washington crosses the Delaware and launches a surprise attack on Trenton, catching 1000 Hessian troops off guard, and forcing their surrender.
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Continental Army won small victory at Princeton.
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Lafayette becomes a General in the Continental Army
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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.
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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.
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Washington and his army prepare for winter at Valley Forge. Low on food, supplies, and morale, it does not bode well.
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von Steuben trains the Continental army into a disciplined, professional, and tougher army.
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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.
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Howe steps down as Commander of the English forces, and Sir Henry Clinton comes in to replace him.
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They recover from the winter and prepare to go on the move again.
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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.
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The British decide to put more focus into the South of the American colonies, and move forces into Savannah.
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Spain declares war on Great Britain. Created more pressure on the British to defend areas such as the Strait of Gibraltar.
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American forces attempt to take the city of Savannah, Georgia back from the British, but fail to do so.
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British forces move up into Charleston, South Carolina.
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After serving as a quartermaster since Valley Forge, Nathaniel Greene is finally given his chance to serve as commander.
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The articles provided for a union in which each state retained its sovereignty, freedom, and indepenence. Lacked the power to tax states and people.
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Cornwallis defeats Greene at Guilford Courthouse, NC, but suffers so many casualties that it is considered a strategic win for the Patriots.
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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.
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Cornwallis is surrounded both on land and sea, and is forced to surrender, ending the war.
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Proclaimed peace between America and Britain. Precursor to the Treaty of Paris
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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.
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Washington steps down from his position of Command in Cheif of the Continental Army.
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The United States Constitution is finally signed.
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Constitution adopted by the newborn country of the United States of America.
