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The Battles of Lexington and Concord
In an effort to capture capture revolutionary stockpiles of ammunition and weapons, the British began to travel to Concord. On the way the British passed through Lexington where they were attacked by militias. They were also ambushed when they reached Concord. This event is considered the beginning of the Revolutionary War and the “Shot Heard Round the World”. -
George Washington
George Washington is named commander in chief. A founding father who made significant bounds forward both militarily and politically. George Washington was the leader of the continental army. -
The Declaration of Independence
On July 4th the congress adopts the Declaration of Independence. This means the colonies officially declared their independence from England. -
The Siege of New York
The British launch the largest attack on the land mass known currently known as the United States until September 11, 2011. The city populated by twenty thousand people was attacked by three hundred and fifty British ships each of which carries hundreds of soldiers and sixty four heavy cannons. The city was bombarded into submission, forcing the colonist troops out. The British then occupied New York. -
Grooves in the American Longrifle
The grooves within the American Longrifles led to more accurate shots compared to the British. This allowed for the Patriots to enact more effective Guerilla warfare. -
Nathaneal Greene
Nathanael Greene was a major general of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, known for his successful command in the Southern Campaign. -
The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire
The first volume of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon, is published. Part of the Enlightenment, it describes the rise of Christianity (within the Roman Empire) in terms of behavior of people rather than godly miracles. -
The Battles of Saratoga
The colonists took Saratoga after utilizing a “divide and conquer” strategy. The colonists were able to retake New York and the victory raised the colonist’s moral at a critical point in the war. -
Washington's Troop's Shelter at Valley Forge
Washington’s army takes shelter at Valley Forge. Smallpox ran rampant. Quarters were cramped. Food was scarce. Despite all this, during this time the troops were formed into a formidable fighting force. -
Timothy Murphy
Timothy Murphy. A man from the “frontier” as well as the leader of a unit who frequently ambushed and slowed British troops. He was a skilled marksman. -
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben
Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben is credited with being one of the fathers of the Continental Army in teaching them the essentials of military drills, tactics, and disciplines. Steuben's training technique was to create a "model company"; a group of 120 chosen men who in turn successively trained other personnel at Regimental and Brigade levels. -
Washington’s Troop’s Begin Using Bayonets
His troops began training with bayonets which are a knife-like device that has been attached onto a rifle. -
France Signs Alliance With America
France signs an alliance with the American rebel force and recognizes the United States of America as a sovereign nation. -
Inoculation of Smallpox
When they introduced smallpox into a healthy person’s body so that the body builds up antibodies to fight off the virus. This began at Valley Forge. -
Dutch Claim Land in South Africa
The Dutch have claimed their eastern boundary in South Africa 200 miles beyond their previous boundary, the Gamtoos River. Another war has begun with the Xhosa. -
Siege of Yorktown
French and American forces defeated the English at Yorktown after invading outer fortifications. Once the outer fortifications were captured the Colonists turned the British’ cannon’s against them (“American Revolution”).