Before 1775, we had 13 colonies ruled by the King of England. Most had governors appointed by the King, and legislatures elected by the people.
1774 � 1st Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. Encouraged states to form militias and to boycott English goods, and asked King George to repeal unfair taxes.
Apr, 1775 � Paul Revere�s ride and Battles of Lexington and Concord. �Shot heard �round the world�.
May, 1775 � Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold captured Fort Ticonderoga from British.
Jun, 1775 � 2nd Continental Congress met in Philadelphia. Formed Colonial government, Army, post office, and printed Continental money. Appointed GW to lead Army.
Battle of Bunker Hill in Boston.
Mar, 1776 � GW captured Boston. British escaped to Nova Scotia.
Jul, 1776 � Continental Congress issued Declaration of Independence, proclaiming America to be independent of England.
� Gen Howe and 32,000 redcoats landed in New York. Defeated GW at Long Island.
Oct/Nov, 1776 � English forced GW to retreat through New York and New Jersey.
Dec, 1776 � Gen Howe wintered in New York. GW wintered in Pennsylvania.
- On Dec 25, GW crossed Delaware River and defeated Hessians at Trenton.
May, 1777 � From Canada, Gen Burgoyne attacked south towards Albany, NY with 8000 redcoats.
Intended for Gen Howe to attack north to Albany, hoping to separate New England from other colonies. Plan reached Gen Howe too late.
Aug, 1777 � Gen Burgoyne attacked into Vermont to gain supplies. Ran into Green Mountain Boys. Retreated to Saratoga, NY.
Sep, 1777 � Gen Howe defeated GW at Brandywine, PA, then captured Philadelphia.
Oct, 1777 � Gen Burgoyne surrendered 5700 redcoats at Battle of Saratoga. This American victory convinced France to help America.
Dec, 1777 � Gen Howe wintered in Philadelphia. GW wintered at Valley Forge, PA.
Jun, 1778 � Gen Clinton replaced Gen Howe. British decided to concentrate efforts in South.
Dec, 1778 � Gen Clinton captured Savannah, GA.
Jan, 1779 - Gen Clinton captured Augusta, GA.
May, 1779 � Gen Clinton captured Portsmouth and Norfolk, VA.
May, 1780 � Gen Clinton defeated Gen Benjamin Lincoln and captured 5400 American soldiers at Charleston, SC. Left Gen Cornwallis in charge of southern colonies.
Jul, 1780 � French fleet and 5000 soldiers arrived in Newport, RI. Penned in by British navy.
Aug, 1780 � Gen Cornwallis defeated Gen Gates at Camden, SC.
Aug, 1780 � Benedict Arnold failed in attempt to turn West Point, NY over to British.
Sep, 1780 � Gen Clinton retreated to New York. GW followed him there.
Mar, 1781 � Frustrated by guerrilla warfare in Carolinas, Cornwallis moved army to Yorktown, VA.
Aug, 1781 � French forces landed near Yorktown blocking retreat by Gen Cornwallis.
Sep, 1781 � GW moved army to Williamsburg, VA, near Yorktown. Siege of Yorktown began.
Oct, 1781 � Gen Cornwallis surrendered 8000 redcoats at Yorktown.
Feb, 1782 � British Parliament decided against further war in the Americas.
Nov, 1782 � A preliminary peace treaty between Britain and America was signed.
Sep, 1783 � Treaty of Paris was signed formally ending the Revolutionary War. US gained independence and control of all land south of Canada and east of Mississippi River (except Florida).