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Period: to
A year before the battle of Lexington and Concord and 4 years after
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The Intolerable Acts
The Inotrbale acts as they were called by the colonists, was legislation passed by King George. The acts harshly punished the Massachusetts. They attempted to isolate Mass by closing down the port of Boston and greatly increasing the British soldier count in Boston. The acts, however, backfire for Britain. In an attempt to punish Mass, the British gave the colonists a rallying point, and the other colonies came to the aid of Massachusetts, further uniting the colonies against the British. -
The First Continental Congress
The First Continental Congress was called to address the treatment of the colonists. 12 of 13 colonies arrived in Philadelphia for the meeting. They discussed how to move forward with continued British aggression, like the Intolerable Acts. The Congress ended on October 26th. The representatives there had drafted a petition to King George outlining the grievance they had with his treatment of the colonies. -
The Battles of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord are often called "the shot heard around the world." Lexington and Concord were the start of the American Revolution, one of history's most influential wars. Lexington and Concord are often considered to be the first two battles of the Revolutionary War. British soldiers raid a colonial Arms warehouse, and the colonists fight back. As the British march to Concord, the colonial militia ambushes them on their march. The battles end in a colonial victory. -
Second Contiental Congress
The Second Continental Congress was originally supposed to be a continuation of the First. They wanted to discuss further plans if Britain did not listen to the petition that they had sent over. However, by the time the second congress was supposed to meet, the war had already begun, and the focus shifted to war efforts. It was here that many important decisions about the war effort were made, like appointing George Washington to be the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill is one of the first battles in the Revolution. The battle concluded in a Pyrrhic British Victory. While the British were able to drive the Continental forces back, they suffered heavy casualties. The battle showed that the colonies would not be as much of a pushover as the British originally thought. The battle boosted the morale of the Continental militia. The Continental Army, most famously, waited to shoot until they saw the eyes of the enemy to minimize casualties. -
The Decleration of Independence
On July 4th, 1776, the founding fathers at the Second Continental Congress drew up a document to be sent to Britain. The document outlined that the 13 American Colonies would be breaking away and fighting for their independence, no longer fighting for justice as a colony. The declaration was officially made during the war for independence, while before its drafting, independence was only an idea being thrown around by some people. The Declaration is America's most important document. -
Battle of New York and Long Island
British forces advance on New York City in an attempt to capture one of the Continental Army's most important cities. After a decisive British victory, New York City would fall, and the British would occupy the city until they withdrew from the colonies and surrendered the war. With New York under British control, it allowed them to control the Hudson and disrupt communication between the colonies of the North and South -
The Battle of Trenton
It is here that Washington famously crosses the Delaware River to face the British head-on. After a parting for Christmas, a mostly Hessian force occupying Trenton is ambushed by the Continental Army. The Hessions are hungover from partying. Washington is able to defeat the Hessians and claim victory for the Continental Army. The battle helps swing momentum in the war and boosts the morale of the Continental Army. Trenton also helps propel Washington's Forces to attack Princeton a week later. -
The Battle of Princeton
Only after the victory at Trenton, the Continental Congress continue the push. They met the British at Princeton. Another crucial battle for the continental morale. The Continentals can drive the British out of New Jersey after the battle of Princeton and confine them to New York. The battle of Princeton served to show the British and the Continental Army that the colonists could defeat the British without having to use cheap tricks. -
Saratoga Campaign
The Saratoga campsite was launched by the British. The goal was to conquer the entire Hudson River, a crucial supply line for the Continental Army. The British were going to march from Canada down into New York, conquer Fort Ticonderoga, and march to Albany. However, the British ended up being encircled and defeated in Saratoga. It's the largest surrender of British soldiers in 200 years. The victory for the Colonists grants them international recognition and support from Europe. -
France enters the War
Following the massive Continental victory at Saratoga. France officially joins the war on the side of the colonials. Promises of munitions, arms, and soldiers are made to the colonists, as well as naval support. This move by the French is extremely bad for the British, who now realize that they are running out of time to win the war. France's joining the war will be the driving force for Britain to switch up its strategy and start the southern campaign to try to hold onto the southern colonies. -
The Siege of Savannah
To start off their new Southern Campaign, Britain conquers Savannah, Georgia. After a short battle, the Continental forces are driven out. Unlike most of the other colonies, Georgia has a lot of Roylists. Britain thought that by conquering Georgia, they would be able to gain more support for the war. Britain also thought that it would be able to maintain control over the colony even if it lost the rest. Savannah is the opening to the Southern Campaign, and it is a massive British victory.