The American Revolution
1775
May- Colonial militia from Vermont (Green Mountain Boys)
captures Fort Ticonderoga
May- Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia
June- Americans suffer defeat in Battle of Bunker Hill
December- Americans suffer defeat in Quebec
1776
January- Continental Army surrounds British forces in Boston
January- Thomas Paine writes “Common Sense”
March- British commander General Howe leaves Boston with his
troops and retreats to
Canada
July- Delegates at Second Continental Congress ratify
Declaration of Independence
August- Americans are defeated in a surprise attack in Battle of
Long Island and are
forced to retreat to Pennsylvania
December- Fearing an attack by the British, the Second Continental
Congress flees
Philadelphia
December- Americans defeat German mercenaries in Battle of
Trenton
1777
July- George Washington tries to stop British troops from
capturing Philadelphia, but
Suffers defeat in the Battle of Brandywine
October- British forces surrender to the Continental Army at
Saratoga (Turning Point?)
1778
February- France signs a treaty with Americans
·
Recognizes US as a new
independent country
·
Provides military aid to
Continental Army