American Revolution Timeline by ASTRID JOHNSON

Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:02:38 UTC

In Lexington, a ragtag militia led by Captain John Parker fights against a far larger British force led by Major John Pitcairn. The fight started after a mysterious shot was fired. The colonists fled the fight after a few deaths on their side. The British side advanced on Concord meanwhile the American militia became stronger as more people arrived to fight. Eventually, the British retreated. This event was significant as it started lots of conflict between the British and Americans.

Second Continental Congress (May 10, 1775)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:03:05 UTC

Led by John Hancock, the Second Continental Congress consisted of simply sorting out governmental issues like assigning ambassadors to different countries, getting loans, building an army, and starting to cultivate their own currency. This was important because it impacted the future greated like when they made George Washington general of the army, attempted a peace treaty with Britain, issued Declaration of Independence, passed resolution to get a United States Flag, etc.

Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:03:30 UTC

The British, led by General William Howe, advanced on two American hills, Bunker Hill and Breed's Hill. The colonists, led by Colonel William Prescott heard about it from nearby residents and went to fight. This battle was impactful because this battle gave the American side confidence against the superior British forces although the British won.

Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:08:51 UTC

The Second Continental Congress met and decided to officially become independent from Britain. The Committee of Five (Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman, and Thomas Jefferson) wrote the declaration. Not only did this document declare independence but it also explained why they wanted this freedom. This document was a vital key during the civil war as it was a concrete goal that solidified their hopes. This motivated the colonists to fight harder to gain the rights they desired from Britian.

Washington Crosses Delaware (December 25, 1776)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:09:19 UTC

George Washington and the Continental Army cross the Delaware River onward to New Jersey in attempt to ambush the British. The Hessians were not expecting an attack because of the seasonal conditions so their plan was clever. The reason this event was so important is because they emerged victorious and gained the upper hand in the Revolution, a turning point in the war.

Battles of Saratoga (September 19, 1777)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:09:44 UTC

The Battles of Saratoga were led by British General John Burgoyne and American Major General Horatio Gates. The battles ended in surrender of British General John Burgoyne. This was huge for the Americans as it boosted their confidence and the French decided to support the Revolutionary War.

Winter at Valley Forge (December 19, 1777)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:10:07 UTC

The American Army made camp at Valley Forge during the harsh winter. Valley Forge was the perfect position for the colonist side as it was safe and nearby the British troops. The harsh environment brought the soldiers together and made them rely on each other. It was here in Valley Forge where the army grew stronger (trained in fighting) and is often referred to as the birthplace of the American Army which is why this place was so significant.

Alliance with France (February 6, 1778)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:10:30 UTC

France decided to help America because they were not fond of the British and they saw the colonists as an independent group from Britain. So they signed the Treaty of Alliance which was a big deal to America because this helped their Army prosper and gave them even more of an advantage.

Battle of Yorktown (September 28, 1781)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:10:58 UTC

The Battle of Yorktown was the one that ended it all. The British surrendered and America gained it's long awaited independence. The American Army was quite strong at this time because they had been progressively getting better throughout the war. The British Government had lost their power over America and now the colonist were free.

Treaty of Paris (September 3, 1783)

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-21 19:11:20 UTC

The Treaty of Paris was the last brick in the wall of the Revolutionary War. America had it's independence from Britain and so the Revolutionary War was over and Britain was at peace with America. The Western border is the Mississippi River (they get the Ohio River Valley) and they get more fishing rights near Canada. However, many Patriots wanted to persecute the Loyalists but Washington welcomed them as Americans. After the war was over, everyone had to pay off their debts. Clearly this event was important because without it they may have still been at odds.

Articles of Confederation 1776-1789

ajohnson2029_3 — 2025-02-27 19:00:42 UTC

The Articles of Confederation was America's first government.

Their first government:

-Congress was the only authority

-They had no President

-Each state had one vote, and a 2/3 majority was needed to pass a law

-All States must agree to any changes to the articles

-No power to tax or raise an army