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Patrick Henry's "Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death" Speech
Following the Boston Tea Party, in which American colonist dumped 342 chests of tea into the Boston Harbor, the Bristiah Parliament passed a series of acts in response to the rebellion in Massachusetts. Henry gave this speech to the colonists to prove that Parliament did not rule over them completely. -
Paul Revere's Midnight Ride
Paul Revere was sent by Dr. Joseph Warren and instructed to ride to Lexington, Massachusetts to warn Samuel Adams and John Hancock that the British troops were marching to arrest them. -
Minutemen and Redcoats Clash At Lexington and Concord
The first shot that started the revolution were fired at Lexington, Massachusetts was called "The Shot Heard 'Round The World". British general, Thomas Gage sent 700 soldiers to destroy guns and ammunition the colonists had stored in the town of Concord. They also planned to arrest Samuel Adams and John Hancock -
Ethan Allen And The Green Mountain Boys Seize Fort Ticonderoga
The Green Mountain BOys captured Fort Ticonderoga led by Ethan Allen and Colonel Benedict Arnold. They overcame a small British garrison at the fort and looted the personal belongings of thegarrison. Cannons and other ammunition from the fort were transported to Boston, Massachusetts. -
George Washington Named Commander In Chief
Washington was selected to be the commander in chief over other candidates such as John Hancock, based on his previous military experience and the hope that a leader from Virginia could help unite the colonies. After 8 years of war, Washington resigned his commission as commander in chief on December 23, 1783. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
One of most important colonial victories in the United States war for independence. This battle made both sides realize that this was not going to be a matter decided on by one quick and decisive battle -
Washington Assumes Command of the Continental Army
On July 3, 1775, the Continental Army had elected general George Washington to be in charge of the Continental Army -
Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" Published
Common Sense was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that explained why Americans needed to go to war with the Bristish. In Common Sense, Paine argues for American independence. His argument begins with more general, reflections about government and religion, then progresses onto the specifics of the colonial situation. -
Congress adopts the Declaration of Independence; it's sent to the printer
Congress decides to publish the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776, it's sent to the printer. -
The Declaration of Independence Is Read Publicly
On July 8, 1776, Congress read the Declaration of Independence to the public for all to hear. The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson, was signed by himself, and each delegate form each colony. -
Delegates begin to sign The Declaration of Independence
August 2, 1776, delgates from each colony begin to sign the Declaration of Independence. The first and largest signature was that of John Hancock. He believed that the king would see the largest signature and know that John Hancock believed in independence for the colonies. -
Redcoats Defeat George Washington's Army In The Battle of Long Island.
In the battle of Long Island, The British Redcoats won over George Washinton's Army. Washington's army flees from the area over night to a safer retreat. -
Generals George Washington and Nathanael Greene, Triumphantly Hold Their Ground At The Battle of Harlem Heights
The importance of this battle for the Americans was that it was the Virginia militia who had fled the British the day before who fought steadily and effectively alongside the Northern Rangers, going a long way to restore the confidence in the American army. -
Hessians Capture Fort Washington, NY
William Howe had intended to capture Fort Washington by surprise and attack from the north, south, and east. By the time Howe and his army had arrived, Fort Washington had already been overtaken by the Hessians -
Lord Cornwallis Captures Fort Lee From Nathanael Greene
When Cornwallis's forces arrived at Fort Lee, General Nathanael Greene had led a hurried evacuation of the fort's 2,000-man garrison and marched them toward Hackensack, where Washington was waiting for them. -
Washington Crosses The Delaware
On November 26, 1776, George Washington's army and himself crossed the Delaware and captured Trenton, New Jersey from the Hessians. This was the the first move of surprise attack organized by Washington against the Hessian forces -
Benedict Arnold's Troops Forced To Retreat To Ridgefield, Connecticut.
General Benedict Arnold came to Ridgefield, Connecticut to fight the British who had landed at Compo Beach at Wesport, Connecticut, and marched north to Danbury, where the redcoats burned many homes and community buildings. On their way back to sea, the troops passed through Ridgefield, where General Arnold and General David Wooster, leading local militia, attacked -
Benedict Arnold's Troops Forced To Retreat To Ridgefield, Connecticut.
General Benedict Arnold came to Ridgefiel, Connecticut to fight the British who had landed at Compo Beach at Westport, Connecticut and marched north to Danbury where the redcoats burned many houses and community buildings. On their way to the sea, the troops passed through Ridgefield where General Arnold and General David Wooster, leading local militia, attacked. -
The Marquis de Lafayette Arrives In Philedelphia
The Marquis de Lafayette, a young French noble, brought trained soldiers to help the Patriot cause, Lafayette became on of Washington's most trusted friends -
United States and France Sign The French Alliance
The Treaty of Alliance between France and the United States was concluded at Paris, February 6, 1778. The treaty provided for a defensive alliance to aid France should England attack, and that neither France nor the United States would make peace with England until the independence of the United States was recognized. -
Washington's Army Leaves Valley Forge
Washington left Valley Forge because of the suffering endured there by the hungry, poorly clothed, and badly housed troops, 2500 of whom died during the harsh winter. Valley Forge came to symbolize the heroism of the American Revolutionaries
