Road to Independence

1000's of Redcoats in Boston

Apr 1, 1715

General Gage brings thousands of British soldiers to Boston with more on the way.

First Continental Congress meets.

Sep 5, 1774

All Colonies But Georgia have Representatives.
Voted to send a "Statement of Grievances."
Voted to Boycott all British Trade.
Patrick Henry-- VA Rep. Urged colonists to unite against Britain.

Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

Apr 18, 1775

Paul Revere rides to warn the Sons of Liberty in Lexington and Concord that the "British are coming!... The British are coming!..."

Battles of Lexington and Concord.

Apr 19, 1775

The Battle of Lexington: Considered the first battle of the American Revolutionary war.
"Shot heard 'round the world" -Ralph Waldo Emerson
British Victory
The Battle of Concord: Americans stop British and force them to retreat back to Boston.
American Victory

Second Continental Congress Meets.

May 10, 1775

Print Money
Set up post office,
Created Continental Army led by George Washington.
Sent Olive Branch asking King to protect their rights.
-- King hired 30000 Hessian Soldiers in response.

Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

May 10, 1775

Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen capture the fort
Get all supplies from fort including cannons
AMERICAN Victory

Washington arives on outskirts of Boston with Continental troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realizes men are disorganized and need discipline.
Need weapons

"Common Sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

Pamphlet inspires more colonists to become patriots.
Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART" -Thomas Paine, Common Sense

British Surrender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

Washington believes his army is ready and weapons arrive.
Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.
BRITISH Retreat, AMERICAN Victory

Second Continental Congress meets (Again)

Jun 15, 1776

Debate on declaring Independence
Thomas Jefferson is the Primary author of the document.

Second Continental Congress votes for Indipencance

Jul 2, 1776

All colonies voted yes on declaring Independence.

Declaration of Independence is signed!

Jul 4, 1776

FIREWORKS FIREWORKS FIREWORKS KABOOM