1754-1760 1764 1765 1765

Causes of the American

Revolution

1766 1767 1765

1770 1773

1773 1774 1774

1775 1775 1775

American Revolutionary War

1775 1775 1775 1776

1776 1776

1776 1776 1776

1777 1777 1777 1778

1 7 8 0 1 7 8 1 1 7 8 2 1 7 8 2 1 7 8 3

Thomas Paine “Common Sense”

January 10, 1776 In 1772, Paine met Benjamin Franklin,

who encouraged him to move to America and wrote him a recommendation to do so. Paine arrived in Philadelphia on November

30, 1774.

On January 10, 1776, he anonymously published Common Sense, a pro-

independence pamphlet that would galvanize the colonists against the

British and that would greatly influence the expediency of the Declaration of

Independence. Paine’s pamphlet quickly spread through the colony’s literate

population and became the international voice of the pro-independence colonies.

Common Sense would quickly become the top selling publication of the 18th century.

British Troops arrive in Boston

1768The Massachusetts General Court led a

boycott of British goods. Royal officials in America became enraged and ordered the Massachusetts General Court dissolved. The Royal Governor of Massachusetts, Francis Bernard, sent secret messages

to Parliament to send troops to Boston. In 1768, two regiments of infantry were sent to Boston to restore order. 600 soldiers began patrolling the streets of Boston.

Colonial militia groups united and colonists continued to boycott British goods and British soldiers continued patrolling the

streets of Boston.

France and the United States

February 6, 1778France and the United States sign

treaties of alliances. France became a strong partner in the quest for American independence and provided most of the Patriot military supplies. France further

pledged to help fight Britain until American independence could be gained. Britain and

France then declare war on each other when British ships fire upon a French fleet. Britain would now find themselves fighting not only in North America, but in Europe,

Asia and Africa as well.

Lexington & Concord

April 19, 1775 The first shots of the

Revolutionary War were fired at Lexington on April 19th by

American militia on British Redcoats on their way to

Concord.

From Lexington, the British marched to Concord which

they easily occupied. Nevertheless, the Redcoats were decimated by militia

fire and snipers in Concord and as they marched back

toward Lexington.

Repeal of the Stamp Act & The Declaratory Act

March, 1766Opposition to the Stamp Act was universal.

In 1765, representatives from nine colonies drafted a petition calling for the repeal of the Stamp Act. Street mobs,

calling themselves the Sons of Liberty, destroyed royal offices in Massachusetts

and New York. By November 1, 1765, all stamp agents sent over from England had been intimidated into resigning their

posts. Meanwhile, Americans increasingly imported goods illegally which caused

British merchants and manufacturers to lose business. Some, such as Samuel Adams, began to call for independence because Parliament had exceeded its authority. In March of 1766, Parliament

agreed to repeal the Stamp Act, but passed the Declaratory Act which reaffirmed their

right to pass any law in America.

The Intolerable Acts1774

As a result of the Boston Tea Party, Parliament passed the following laws designed to punish the

Americans.

1. The Boston Harbor Bill – This bill closed the harbor to all commercial traffic until Bostonians paid

for the tea they dumped.2. The Administration of Justice Act – This act

required the transfer of all royal officials charged with capital crimes in America to courts in Great Britain.

3. Massachusetts Government Act – This act ended self-rule in the colonies and made all elected officers

in America subject to British appointment.4. Quartering Act – This was a new version of the Quartering Act which required Americans to provide

accommodations (housing, food, clothing etc.) to British soldiers.

5. Quebec Act – This act extended the Canadian border (British territory) into the Ohio River Valley and eliminated lands that were claimed by Massachusetts,

Virginia and Connecticut.

The Quartering Act

March 24, 1765On March 24th, Parliament passed the Quartering Act which required Americans

to provide housing and food to British soldiers. Colonists wondered why troops were being sent to America after the French and Indian War. Many believed the troops

were sent over to suppress freedoms Americans had

enjoyed.

Boston Tea PartyDecember 16, 1773

On December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty, led

by Samuel Adams, planned to show Parliament how

they felt about the Tea Act. They boarded the British ship Dartmouth docked in

Boston Harbor, dressed up as Indians,and dumped the entire load of tea into the water. This event came to

be known as the Boston Tea Party.

End of the War

April 11, 1783Congress officially

claims an end to the Revolutionary War.

Benjamin Franklin

April 12, 1782Peace talks between

Benjamin Franklin and English officials

begin in Paris.

Boston MassacreMarch 5, 1770

The situation in Boston grew more tense by the day. Local skirmishes between townspeople and British soldiers (Redcoats) increased.

On Monday night March 5, 1770, an American (patriot) began harassing a Redcoat standing guard. Another Redcoat nearby tried to defend him. The solider became

agitated and struck the patriot in the face with his musket. As the patriot cried out in pain, a mob Bostonians gathered.

The mob began throwing chunks of ice and shouted “Kill him!” Meanwhile, other mobs began pelting other Redcoats with chunks of ice. The mob grew larger, until

the soliders were surrounded by over 400 angry Bostonians.

The soliders overwhelmed by the mob, fired into the crowd to avoid being beaten. The soldiers were able to fend off the mob which soon dispersed. When it did disperse, the bodies of several patriots lay dead or wounded on the ground.

Later, the soldiers were arrested and accused of murder. In the ensuing trial almost all were acquitted (judged not-guilty), as the deaths had occurred in self-defense.

Parliament eventually repealed the Townshend Act, and removed all taxes except for the tax on tea.

The Sugar Act 1764

The French and Indian War was extremely expensive.

It nearly bankrupted Parliament to pay for fighting a war overseas. Parliament

enacted the Sugar Act in 1764. The Sugar Act

imposed new duties (taxes) on American commodities such as sugar, molasses,

textiles, coffee and indigo. Unlike previous taxes,

this tax was enforced and smugglers were prosecuted.

American colonists were enraged because they

did not think they should be taxed unless they had elected representatives in

Parliament. “No Taxation without

Representation”.

The Stamp Act March 22, 1765 Parliament passed the

Stamp Act on March 22, 1765. The Stamp Act required Americans to

purchase tax stamps for any printed documents including newspapers,

legal documents, marriage licenses and more.

America is Free! September 3, 1783

The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris officially ending the war. America is free!

The French and Indian War1754-1760

The Seven Year War. The dispute arose over the presence of British and

French settlers in the Ohio River Valley (in and around

present day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). Both

the French and English wanted exclusive rights

to the area because of its economic potential and

abundance of fur-bearing wildlife. Despite attempts in Europe to solve the territory

battle diplomatically, no compromise could be made.

The Townshend Act1767

Despite the repeal of the Stamp Act, Parliament still

needed money. Tension between the British and

Americans grew even more intense when Parliament

passed the 1767 Townshend Act. The Townshend Act authorized Parliament to issue a new set of taxes

on important imports such as glass, lead, paint, paper

and tea. Parliament also removed some British troops

in America, but made the colonies pay for taking care

of the soldiers.

The Tea Act1773

In 1773, Parliament authorized the Tea Act. Within the Tea Act, Parliament granted the East India Company a monopoly (the only

business in a specific trade or product) over the American tea trade. Although

the monopoly decreased the price of tea, Americans realized that Parliament was only regulating American trade, and had

the power to interfere in American business whenever it wanted. Public protest of the

Tea Act grew quickly through the colonies. Fearing a revolt, several ships carrying tea

destined for New York and Philadelphia returned to England without unloading tea.

Start of the End

February 27, 1782

The British House of Commons votes against further war

with America.

Benedict Arnold

September 23, 1780

Benedict Arnold, a general in the

Continental Army, is revealed as a

spy and his plans to surrender West Point to the British

are exposed. Arnold flees from West Point and joins the British army as a brigadier

general.

Cornwallis SurrendersOctober 19,

1781General Cornwallis of the British Army, formally surrenders

at Yorktown. The British army is

decimated and the war is virtually over.

Spain & France

May 2, 1776The kings of Spain and France promise to help

America in the quest for independence. King

Louis XVI of France gives 1,000,000 dollars worth of supplies and

munitions.

The Second Continential CongressMay 10, 1775

On May 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The American Revolution had begun and American

soldiers, known as “minutemen” had been killed. The delegates to the Second Continental Congress chose John Hancock, a wealthy

Massachusetts merchant and a Son of Liberty, as president. Georgia agreed to send a delegate to the Second Continential Congress this

time.

The Second Continental Congress made decisions like a government. It authorized the production of paper money and named Benjamin Franklin Postmaster General. Most importantly, it created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief. It became

the legislative branch of the war effort that would sign treaties, make declarations, and appoint ambassadors.

Some delegates of the Second Continental Congress still wished to avoid war. They sent a petition known as the Olive Branch Petition to

Parliament to express their wish for peace and to appeal to the king to respect their rights. The Olive Branch Petition was rejected by England,

and King George hired 30,000 German troops to fight alongside the British in war against America.

First Continential Congress

September 5, 1774In response to the Intolerable Acts,

America’s first Continental Congress met on September 5, 1774. 56 delegates from

12 colonies met at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia to discuss a unified position and Parliament’s assertion that it could

control the colonies. Georgia was the only colony that refused to send a delegate.

As part of the convention, John Adams drafted the Declaration of Rights which countered that America need not respect

decisions by Parliament that involved domestic affairs within America. Delegates

agreed to resume the boycott on British goods until the Intolerable Acts were

repealed, residents had a right to defend themselves, and that colonists from

throughout America would come to their aid.

Bunker HillJune 16, 1775

On the first major battle of the war occurred. British Generals William Howe and Thomas Gage took

Bunker Hill despite suffering casualties of over 1,000

men. June 17, 1775 – British forces attack the Patriots at the heavily fortified Breed’s Hill in Boston. The Battle

becomes known as Bunker Hill, despite the fact that most of the fighting took

place on Breed’s Hill. British forces drive the Patriots to

retreat, but suffer over 1,000 casualties.

Declaration Draft July 6, 1775

Congress drafts the Declaration on the Causes

and Necessity of Taking Up Arms which details

the colonists’ reasons for fighting the British and

states that Americans are “resolved to die free men

rather than live as slaves.”

Washington’s CrossingDecember 25, 1776

General Washington and Continental Army cross the icy Delaware River and capture 800 Hessian (German) soldiers near Johnson’s Ferry, NJ.

The Continental Army, under the command of George Washington, had suffered tremendous casualties. Morale was low and the ragtag Continental

army was forced to retreat through New Jersey to the west side of the Delaware River. On the other side of the river, in Trenton, N.J., were three regiments of Hessian soldiers (German soldiers) numbering about 1,400.

As the Continental Army prepared to cross the Delaware River on their way to Trenton, sleet and snow had begun to fall, delaying the crossing. With great effort and difficulty, the army eventually crossed the river in

Durham boats, and the horses and artillery were ferried across. By 4:00 am, however, the crossing was completed. Washington continually encouraged his troops, many of whom lacked shoes and were bleeding from their feet.

The Hessians suffered 83 casualties, 22 of which were fatalities. 896 Hessians were captured, though several hundred did manage to escape. This battle inspired the American war effort and raised the morale of the

army, which seemed to be threatened with dissolution.

Peace Conference

September 11, 1776

British and American officials meet for a peace conference

at Staten Island, NY. British Lord Richard Howe demands the cancellation

of the Declaration of Independence. American

officials, including Benjamin Franklin, refuse.

End of Trade to AmericaDecember 23,

1775King George III

closes all American colonies to foreign trade effective in

March, 1776.

Paul Revere’s Midnight RideApril 18, 1775

As the British marched to Lexington hoping to disarm the people and capture the instigators, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, Paul

Revere learned of the plan and rode to Lexington on his famous Midnight Ride

shouting to warn the partiots of the incoming British

troops “The Regulars are coming, the Regulars are

coming”.

Authoring of the Declaration of Independence June 7, 1776

The main purpose of America’s Declaration of Independence was to explain to foreign nations why the colonies had chosen to separate from Great Britain. The Revolutionary War had already begun, the colonies had already

cut most ties to England, and had established their own congress, currency, army, and post office.

On June 7, 1776, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Richard Henry Lee voiced a resolution that the United States ought to be completely free of England’s influence, and that all political ties between the two countries should be dissolved. Congress agreed and began plans to publish a formal declaration of independence and

appointed a committee of five members to draft the declaration.

Thomas Jefferson was chosen to draft the letter – which he did in a single day. Four other members, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were part of the committee to help Jefferson.

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson explained that a body of people have a right to change governments if that government becomes oppressive (unfair and controlling). He further explained that

governments fail when they no longer have the consent of the governed. Since Parliament clearly lacked the consent of the American colonists to govern them, it was no longer legitimate.

The Declaration was presented to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was approved with a few minor changes. Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock, of Massachusetts

was the first.

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the measure to declare independence from England. Two days later, the actual Declaration of Independence was approved.

The New FlagJune 14, 1777

A new flag with thirteen stars and thirteen

stripes is mandated by congress.

The Signing ofThe Declaration of Independence

July 4, 1776The Declaration of

Independence is ratified and sent to all 13 colonies.

Saratoga October 9, 1777Saratoga marked the turning point in the

war and proved to the world that this new nation could exist

independently. France promptly recognized

America’s independence from England.

Articles of Confederation

November 15, 1777

Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation as the new government

of the United States of America pending

the approval of the 13 states. Congress is now the sole authority over

the government.

The French and Indian War1754-1760

The Seven Year War. The dispute arose over the presence of British and

French settlers in the Ohio River Valley (in and around

present day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania). Both

the French and English wanted exclusive rights

to the area because of its economic potential and

abundance of fur-bearing wildlife. Despite attempts in Europe to solve the territory

battle diplomatically, no compromise could be made.

The Sugar Act 1764

The French and Indian War was extremely expensive.

It nearly bankrupted Parliament to pay for fighting a war overseas. Parliament

enacted the Sugar Act in 1764. The Sugar Act

imposed new duties (taxes) on American commodities such as sugar, molasses,

textiles, coffee and indigo. Unlike previous taxes,

this tax was enforced and smugglers were prosecuted.

American colonists were enraged because they

did not think they should be taxed unless they had elected representatives in

Parliament. “No Taxation without

Representation”.

1754-1760 1764

The Stamp Act March 22, 1765 Parliament passed the

Stamp Act on March 22, 1765. The Stamp Act required Americans to

purchase tax stamps for any printed documents including newspapers,

legal documents, marriage licenses and more.

1765

The Quartering Act

March 24, 1765On March 24th, Parliament passed the Quartering Act which required Americans

to provide housing and food to British soldiers. Colonists wondered why troops were being sent to America after the French and Indian War. Many believed the troops

were sent over to suppress freedoms Americans had

enjoyed.

1765

Causes of the American

Revolution

Repeal of the Stamp Act & The Declaratory Act

March, 1766Opposition to the Stamp Act was universal.

In 1765, representatives from nine colonies drafted a petition calling for the repeal of the Stamp Act. Street mobs,

calling themselves the Sons of Liberty, destroyed royal offices in Massachusetts

and New York. By November 1, 1765, all stamp agents sent over from England had been intimidated into resigning their

posts. Meanwhile, Americans increasingly imported goods illegally which caused

British merchants and manufacturers to lose business. Some, such as Samuel Adams, began to call for independence because Parliament had exceeded its authority. In March of 1766, Parliament

agreed to repeal the Stamp Act, but passed the Declaratory Act which reaffirmed their

right to pass any law in America.

1766 1767

The Townshend Act1767

Despite the repeal of the Stamp Act, Parliament still

needed money. Tension between the British and

Americans grew even more intense when Parliament

passed the 1767 Townshend Act. The Townshend Act authorized Parliament to issue a new set of taxes

on important imports such as glass, lead, paint, paper

and tea. Parliament also removed some British troops

in America, but made the colonies pay for taking care

of the soldiers.

1765

British Troops arrive in Boston

1768The Massachusetts General Court led a

boycott of British goods. Royal officials in America became enraged and ordered the Massachusetts General Court dissolved. The Royal Governor of Massachusetts, Francis Bernard, sent secret messages

to Parliament to send troops to Boston. In 1768, two regiments of infantry were sent to Boston to restore order. 600 soldiers began patrolling the streets of Boston.

Colonial militia groups united and colonists continued to boycott British goods and British soldiers continued patrolling the

streets of Boston.

Boston MassacreMarch 5, 1770

The situation in Boston grew more tense by the day. Local skirmishes between townspeople and British soldiers (Redcoats) increased.

On Monday night March 5, 1770, an American (patriot) began harassing a Redcoat standing guard. Another Redcoat nearby tried to defend him. The solider became

agitated and struck the patriot in the face with his musket. As the patriot cried out in pain, a mob Bostonians gathered.

The mob began throwing chunks of ice and shouted “Kill him!” Meanwhile, other mobs began pelting other Redcoats with chunks of ice. The mob grew larger, until

the soliders were surrounded by over 400 angry Bostonians.

The soliders overwhelmed by the mob, fired into the crowd to avoid being beaten. The soldiers were able to fend off the mob which soon dispersed. When it did disperse, the bodies of several patriots lay dead or wounded on the ground.

Later, the soldiers were arrested and accused of murder. In the ensuing trial almost all were acquitted (judged not-guilty), as the deaths had occurred in self-defense.

Parliament eventually repealed the Townshend Act, and removed all taxes except for the tax on tea.

1770 1773

The Tea Act1773

In 1773, Parliament authorized the Tea Act. Within the Tea Act, Parliament granted the East India Company a monopoly (the only

business in a specific trade or product) over the American tea trade. Although

the monopoly decreased the price of tea, Americans realized that Parliament was only regulating American trade, and had

the power to interfere in American business whenever it wanted. Public protest of the

Tea Act grew quickly through the colonies. Fearing a revolt, several ships carrying tea

destined for New York and Philadelphia returned to England without unloading tea.

The Intolerable Acts1774

As a result of the Boston Tea Party, Parliament passed the following laws designed to punish the

Americans.

1. The Boston Harbor Bill – This bill closed the harbor to all commercial traffic until Bostonians paid

for the tea they dumped.2. The Administration of Justice Act – This act

required the transfer of all royal officials charged with capital crimes in America to courts in Great Britain.

3. Massachusetts Government Act – This act ended self-rule in the colonies and made all elected officers

in America subject to British appointment.4. Quartering Act – This was a new version of the Quartering Act which required Americans to provide

accommodations (housing, food, clothing etc.) to British soldiers.

5. Quebec Act – This act extended the Canadian border (British territory) into the Ohio River Valley and eliminated lands that were claimed by Massachusetts,

Virginia and Connecticut.

Boston Tea PartyDecember 16, 1773

On December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty, led

by Samuel Adams, planned to show Parliament how

they felt about the Tea Act. They boarded the British ship Dartmouth docked in

Boston Harbor, dressed up as Indians,and dumped the entire load of tea into the water. This event came to

be known as the Boston Tea Party.

1773 1774

First Continential Congress

September 5, 1774In response to the Intolerable Acts,

America’s first Continental Congress met on September 5, 1774. 56 delegates from

12 colonies met at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia to discuss a unified position and Parliament’s assertion that it could

control the colonies. Georgia was the only colony that refused to send a delegate.

As part of the convention, John Adams drafted the Declaration of Rights which countered that America need not respect

decisions by Parliament that involved domestic affairs within America. Delegates

agreed to resume the boycott on British goods until the Intolerable Acts were

repealed, residents had a right to defend themselves, and that colonists from

throughout America would come to their aid.

1774

The Second Continential CongressMay 10, 1775

On May 10, 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. The American Revolution had begun and American

soldiers, known as “minutemen” had been killed. The delegates to the Second Continental Congress chose John Hancock, a wealthy

Massachusetts merchant and a Son of Liberty, as president. Georgia agreed to send a delegate to the Second Continential Congress this

time.

The Second Continental Congress made decisions like a government. It authorized the production of paper money and named Benjamin Franklin Postmaster General. Most importantly, it created the Continental Army and appointed George Washington as Commander-in-Chief. It became

the legislative branch of the war effort that would sign treaties, make declarations, and appoint ambassadors.

Some delegates of the Second Continental Congress still wished to avoid war. They sent a petition known as the Olive Branch Petition to

Parliament to express their wish for peace and to appeal to the king to respect their rights. The Olive Branch Petition was rejected by England,

and King George hired 30,000 German troops to fight alongside the British in war against America.

Paul Revere’s Midnight RideApril 18, 1775

As the British marched to Lexington hoping to disarm the people and capture the instigators, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, Paul

Revere learned of the plan and rode to Lexington on his famous Midnight Ride

shouting to warn the partiots of the incoming British

troops “The Regulars are coming, the Regulars are

coming”.

Lexington & Concord

April 19, 1775 The first shots of the

Revolutionary War were fired at Lexington on April 19th by

American militia on British Redcoats on their way to

Concord.

From Lexington, the British marched to Concord which

they easily occupied. Nevertheless, the Redcoats were decimated by militia

fire and snipers in Concord and as they marched back

toward Lexington.

1775 1775 1775

American Revolutionary War

Thomas Paine “Common Sense”

January 10, 1776 In 1772, Paine met Benjamin Franklin,

who encouraged him to move to America and wrote him a recommendation to do so. Paine arrived in Philadelphia on November

30, 1774.

On January 10, 1776, he anonymously published Common Sense, a pro-

independence pamphlet that would galvanize the colonists against the

British and that would greatly influence the expediency of the Declaration of

Independence. Paine’s pamphlet quickly spread through the colony’s literate

population and became the international voice of the pro-independence colonies.

Common Sense would quickly become the top selling publication of the 18th century.

Bunker HillJune 16, 1775

On the first major battle of the war occurred. British Generals William Howe and Thomas Gage took

Bunker Hill despite suffering casualties of over 1,000

men. June 17, 1775 – British forces attack the Patriots at the heavily fortified Breed’s Hill in Boston. The Battle

becomes known as Bunker Hill, despite the fact that most of the fighting took

place on Breed’s Hill. British forces drive the Patriots to

retreat, but suffer over 1,000 casualties.

Declaration Draft July 6, 1775

Congress drafts the Declaration on the Causes

and Necessity of Taking Up Arms which details

the colonists’ reasons for fighting the British and

states that Americans are “resolved to die free men

rather than live as slaves.”

1775 1775

End of Trade to AmericaDecember 23,

1775King George III

closes all American colonies to foreign trade effective in

March, 1776.

1775 1776

Authoring of the Declaration of Independence June 7, 1776

The main purpose of America’s Declaration of Independence was to explain to foreign nations why the colonies had chosen to separate from Great Britain. The Revolutionary War had already begun, the colonies had already

cut most ties to England, and had established their own congress, currency, army, and post office.

On June 7, 1776, at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Richard Henry Lee voiced a resolution that the United States ought to be completely free of England’s influence, and that all political ties between the two countries should be dissolved. Congress agreed and began plans to publish a formal declaration of independence and

appointed a committee of five members to draft the declaration.

Thomas Jefferson was chosen to draft the letter – which he did in a single day. Four other members, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were part of the committee to help Jefferson.

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson explained that a body of people have a right to change governments if that government becomes oppressive (unfair and controlling). He further explained that

governments fail when they no longer have the consent of the governed. Since Parliament clearly lacked the consent of the American colonists to govern them, it was no longer legitimate.

The Declaration was presented to the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was approved with a few minor changes. Of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock, of Massachusetts

was the first.

On July 2, 1776, the Second Continental Congress approved the measure to declare independence from England. Two days later, the actual Declaration of Independence was approved.

Spain & France

May 2, 1776The kings of Spain and France promise to help

America in the quest for independence. King

Louis XVI of France gives 1,000,000 dollars worth of supplies and

munitions.

1776 1776

Washington’s CrossingDecember 25, 1776

General Washington and Continental Army cross the icy Delaware River and capture 800 Hessian (German) soldiers near Johnson’s Ferry, NJ.

The Continental Army, under the command of George Washington, had suffered tremendous casualties. Morale was low and the ragtag Continental

army was forced to retreat through New Jersey to the west side of the Delaware River. On the other side of the river, in Trenton, N.J., were three regiments of Hessian soldiers (German soldiers) numbering about 1,400.

As the Continental Army prepared to cross the Delaware River on their way to Trenton, sleet and snow had begun to fall, delaying the crossing. With great effort and difficulty, the army eventually crossed the river in

Durham boats, and the horses and artillery were ferried across. By 4:00 am, however, the crossing was completed. Washington continually encouraged his troops, many of whom lacked shoes and were bleeding from their feet.

The Hessians suffered 83 casualties, 22 of which were fatalities. 896 Hessians were captured, though several hundred did manage to escape. This battle inspired the American war effort and raised the morale of the

army, which seemed to be threatened with dissolution.

The Signing ofThe Declaration of Independence

July 4, 1776The Declaration of

Independence is ratified and sent to all 13 colonies.

Peace Conference

September 11, 1776

British and American officials meet for a peace conference

at Staten Island, NY. British Lord Richard Howe demands the cancellation

of the Declaration of Independence. American

officials, including Benjamin Franklin, refuse.

1776 1776 1776

France and the United States

February 6, 1778France and the United States sign

treaties of alliances. France became a strong partner in the quest for American independence and provided most of the Patriot military supplies. France further

pledged to help fight Britain until American independence could be gained. Britain and

France then declare war on each other when British ships fire upon a French fleet. Britain would now find themselves fighting not only in North America, but in Europe,

Asia and Africa as well.

The New FlagJune 14, 1777

A new flag with thirteen stars and thirteen

stripes is mandated by congress.

Saratoga October 9, 1777Saratoga marked the turning point in the

war and proved to the world that this new nation could exist

independently. France promptly recognized

America’s independence from England.

1777 1777

Articles of Confederation

November 15, 1777

Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation as the new government

of the United States of America pending

the approval of the 13 states. Congress is now the sole authority over

the government.

1777 1778

Benedict Arnold

September 23, 1780

Benedict Arnold, a general in the

Continental Army, is revealed as a

spy and his plans to surrender West Point to the British

are exposed. Arnold flees from West Point and joins the British army as a brigadier

general.

Cornwallis SurrendersOctober 19,

1781General Cornwallis of the British Army, formally surrenders

at Yorktown. The British army is

decimated and the war is virtually over.

1 7 8 0 1 7 8 1

Start of the End

February 27, 1782

The British House of Commons votes against further war

with America.

1 7 8 2

Benjamin Franklin

April 12, 1782Peace talks between

Benjamin Franklin and English officials

begin in Paris.

1 7 8 2

End of the War

April 11, 1783Congress officially

claims an end to the Revolutionary War.

1 7 8 3

America is Free! September 3, 1783

The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris officially ending the war. America is free!