Gaining Independence

  • The French and Indian War

    The French and Indian War

    the Albany Congress: colonial leaders met to discuss potential war, Ben Franklins' "Join or Die snake image was published
  • Fort Niagra

    Fort Niagra

    the British were defeated on Lake Ontario
  • Fort Duquesne

    Fort Duquesne

    General Edward Braddock's defeat because of European-style tactics ineffective against French and Native American warfare
  • the Start of the 7 Years War

    the Start of the 7 Years War

    the British officially declared war on France, beginning the 7 years war
  • the British turned the Tide

    the British turned the Tide

    Britain gained control of all territory east of the Mississippi river, except New Orleans
  • the Boston Tea Party

    the Boston Tea Party

    sons of Liberty dumped tea into the Boston harbor that were dressed as Native Americans
  • the Second Continental Coongress

    the Second Continental Coongress

    they met in Philadelphia where they appointed George Washington as leader of the Continental Army
  • Lexington and Concord

    Lexington and Concord

    first armed conflict of the American Revolution, the British retreated to Boston while suffering heavy losses
  • the Shot Heard around the World

    the Shot Heard around the World

    British troops marched to seize weapons in Concord and was the first offical action of the Revolutionary war
  • Thomas Paine's Common Sense

    Thomas Paine's Common Sense

    aurgued for self-governonce and stimulated support for independence
  • Siege of Boston

    Siege of Boston

    an early battle where Washington's troops forced the British to evacuate Boston
  • voting for independence

    voting for independence

    the continental congress voted for independence
  • Independence approved by congress

    Independence approved by congress

    The Statement of Independence was approved by congress on July 4, 1776, but was signed on August 2, 1776
  • Battle of Trenton

    Battle of Trenton

    Washing set up and executed a surprise attack on Hessian forces, this boosted American morale
  • Battle of Saratoga

    Battle of Saratoga

    Major American victory and was the fight that convinced the French to ally with the Americans
  • Valley Forge

    Valley Forge

    this winter had harsh conditions for the continental army and the citizens provided an overwhelming support for the troops. while the British partied, the Americans trained
  • American Traitor

    American Traitor

    American general Benedict Arnold turned traitor and joined the British
  • The Final Battle at Yorktown

    The Final Battle at Yorktown

    British forces under Cornwallis trapped at Yorktown. American troops surrounded them on land while the French navy prevented the British from escaping by the sea
  • the British Surrender

    the British Surrender

    Cornwallis surrendered, ending the war
  • Treaty of Paris

    Treaty of Paris

    Britain recognized the U.S. independence