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Second Continental Congress Meets
The Second Continental Congress first met in response to the Coercive Acts, and was the government of the colonies throughout and shortly after the American Revolutionary War. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The battle between 1 roughly 1,000 colonists under Colonel William Prescott and 2,200 British soldiers under Major General William Howe and Brigadier General Robert Pigot that resulted in a pyrrhic victory for the British, with estimates of their casualties at roughly 1,000 men. -
Olive Branch Petition
The document drafted by John Dickinson, and adopted by the Second Continental Congress that attempted to uphold the rights of the colonists while, at the same time, remaining loyal to the British Crown. The petition was rejected by King George quickly. -
"Common Sense" Published
Common Sense, the pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that challenged the British government, and persuaded many colonists using simple, understandable language. The work was also the first publication to openly support independence from Britain. -
Declaration of Independence
The seminal document in American history that formally declared the 13 colonies separate from Britain -
The Battle of Long Island
The British attempted to control New York, and therefore, the Hudson river, thereby splitting the colonies in half. However, Washington managed to escape the British advance. -
Battles of Trenton and Princeton
Washington crossed the Delaware, surprising the British and winning these two major battles, shoring up French support, and bringing a much needed morale boost. -
Fight for Philadelphia
A defeat for the colonists, where, at two different battles, Britain triumphed, dunking morale. -
Battle of Saratoga
Seen as the turning point in the war, this battle shored up French support for the colonists. -
Valley Forge
The location of some of the bleakest times for the Continental Army, famine reigned, disease was rampant, and desertions commonplace. However, despite numerous tribulations, Washington and his troops managed not only to survive, but thrive.
