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Paul Revere joined by William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, rode to countrysides in Massachusetts to warn colonial militias that British troops were heading towards Concord to get their guns and arrest their leaders like Samuel Adams John Hancock. Revere was detained but his warning reached the militias. -
The British troops would eventually encounter armed colonial militias at Lexington, "The shot heard 'round the world" would be fired and then at Concord where heavy fighting would happen. Offically indicating the American Revolutionary War. -
Colonial forces got to Breeds Hill that overlooked Boston. British troops would attack back and drive the colonial troops back but suffered heavy losses. -
Thomas Paine wrote a series of essays that began with the same famous line, "These are the times that try men's souls", to inspire soldiers and patriots during a down time in the war. -
The Continental Congress would adopt the Declaration of Independence , written by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and the Continential Congress. This would justify the revolution and bring unity to the colonies. -
George Washington would lead a surprise nighttime attack over the icy Delaware River and launch a successful attack on Hessian Garrison in Trenton, New Jersey -
After the river crossing, Washingtons troops surprise captured around 1000 Hessians with minimal American losses. Restoring faith in the Americans for this revolution. -
Washington and hs army would spend a brutal winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, facing many problems. Such as disease, starvation, and cold. Despite this, the troops would receive training from Baron von Steuben. -
British army, under General Howe would defeat Washington's army at the Battle of Brandywine, this would allow them to capture the American capital of Philadelphia. -
The British general Burgoyne gave up to the American General Horatio Gates in Saratoga, New York. The Americans used guerilla attacks and locals to beat the British. -
American and French troops, led by George Washington and General Rochambeau, trapped British General Cornwallis at Yorktown, Virginia. After weeks of fighting, Cornwallis would surrender. Leading to negotiations of peace. -
Treaty of Paris would formally end the Revolutionary War, and recognized the United States Independence.