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Battles of Lexington and Concord
First military engagements of the Revolutionary War. The "shot heard round the world" sparked an uproar in the colonists; more individuals were willing to defy the king. -
Meeting of the Second Continental Congress
Delegates from the thirteen colonies discussed the radical possibility of independence from Great Britain; George Washington appointed as commander of the Continental army -
Battle of Bunker Hill
The inexperienced Continental army inflicted significant casualties against the British. Although the British were victorious, the Battle of Bunker Hill gave colonists a sense of hope in the war. -
Failed Seizure of Quebec under Benedict Arnold
Patriot forces under Benedict Arnold failed to capture the British-occupied city of Quebec. This was a major defeat for the Continental army since they would have gained support for the American cause in Canada had they won. -
"Common Sense" Published
Thomas Paine published his pamphlet "Common Sense" where he makes a compelling argument for American independence. Essentially, Paine explains that once individuals are separated and capable of functioning on their own as a united nation, then it only makes sense for them to govern their own nation. Paine's pamphlet influenced colonists to fight for their independence. -
Adoption of the Declaration of Independence
The continental congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This document formally declared that the colonists were separating from Great Britain. This declaration angered the British; the Revolutionary War was imminent. -
Battle of Trenton
George Washington led a surprise attack on Christmas day. British army was caught off-guard; the Continental army successfully captured nearly 1,000 prisoners, supplies, and equipment. -
Paoli Massacre
The British under Lord Grey launched a devastating strike into General Anthony Wayne's unprepared American camp. 53 Americans were killed and approximately 100 more were wounded. -
Battle of Saratoga
General Burgoyne proceeded to Albany from British-occupied Quebec. The Continental army stopped and defeated Burgoyne and his troops. The American victory convinced the French government to enter the war as their ally. -
Washington’s Encampment at Valley Forge
The American Continental Army spend the Winter in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Nearly a quarter of Washington's army did not survive due to starvation, disease, and freezing temperatures. Those that did survive were trained under a Prussian military system, which made them better suited for battle.