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Lexington and Concord
The clash beween the militia and the British at Lexington and Concord was the first battle of the Revolutionary War, often referred to as "the shot heard 'round the world". -
Seond Continental Congress
Held in Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress took place soon after the war had begun. It was at this congress that George Washington was appointed head of the continental army. -
Battle of Bunker Hill
Although the British won the Battle of Bunker Hill, they took a massive blow to their troops. Out of the 2,300 soldiers that fought at Bunker hill, over 1,000 were either killed or wounded. This battle was a huge boost in morale for the continental army. -
"Common Sense"
Thomas Paine writes "Common Sense" in attempts to rally the American colonists behind the idea of independence from Great Britain. -
Virginia Declaration of Rights
The Virginia Declaration of Rights provided influence for the Bill of Rights, and stated basic rights, such as "all men are by nature equally free and independent". -
The Declaration of Independence
Congress adopts The Declaration of Independence, delcaring America's independence from Great Britain. The Declaration was mainly written by Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. -
Battle of Long Island
After suffering defeat and almost trapped in New York City, Washington's flees over night. -
Washington Crosses the Delaware River
George Washington crosses the Delaware River and reclaims Trenton from the Hessians. -
Battle Of Princeton
Washington's army is victorious over the Redcoats. -
Flag Resolution
The Second Continental Congress passes the Flag Resolution, which stated that the American flag should have thirteen stars and thirteen stripes. -
Battle of Brandywine
This is the largest battle of the Revolutionary war, and resulted in a British vitory over the Americans. -
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Battles of Saratoga
General Burgoyne surrenders after two previous defeats. -
Paoli Massacre
The Paoli Massacre was an overnight raid, led by the British Lord Grey, which resulted in the brutal murders of 53 American soldiers and the wounding of 100+. -
Treaty of Alliance
the Treaty of Alliance was signed by France and the United States, and stated that should the English attack France, the US will provide for a defensive alliance, and that neither France nor the US shall declare peace with England until the Declaration of Independence is recognized. -
Battle of Barren Hill
Lafayette and his men successfully evade a British attack. -
Leaving of Valley Forge
Washington leaves Valley Forge with what is virtually a new army than that which went into Valley Forge to begin with. -
Spain Declares War On GB
Spain joins the revolutionary war against Great Britain. -
Battle of Camden
General Cornwallis defeats General Gates and his men. The continental army suffers a massive loss in numbers. -
Articles of Confederation
The United States adopts the Articles of Confederation as a form of governance. -
Battle of Yorktown
Surrounded on land and sea, General Cornwallis surrenders in Yorktown, VA. -
Treaty of Paris
Signed by the United States and Great Britain, the Treaty of Paris effectively ends the Revolutionary War. -
Shays' Rebellion
Uprising of farmers in Massachusettes, who could not repay their debt. Led by Daniel Shays. -
Northwest Ordinance of 1787
Created a system for territories to follow to become states. This resulted in the creation of territories that would eventually become Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. -
The Federalist
Collection of essays written by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay to promote the new constitution. -
Adoption of The Constitution
The United States adopt the new constitution after New Hampshire ratifies it. The Constitution is still in use today.
