America Secedes from the Empire

May 10th, 1775 Olive Branch Petition All states present Raise money to establish an army and

navy George Washington chose as general of

Revolutionary Army

June 1775

The first official battle in the Revolutionary War.

Fought in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

Possession of Bunker Hill (Breeds Hill)

There were three times that the British attacked.

Thousands of German troops hired “Hessian flies” Good soldiers, but not loyal

In October 1775, the British burned Falmouth (Portland), Maine. 

Colonists made an failed attack on Canada in hopes that it would close it off as a possible source for a British striking point. 

In January 1776, the British set fire to Norfolk. 

Common Sense (1776) - argued that the colonies had outgrown any need for English domination and that they should be given independence. 

On July 2, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia's resolution of declaring independence was passed. 

Thomas Jefferson Formally approved by Congress on July

4, 1776.

Loyalists were called "Tories“ Patriots were called "Whigs."  Loyalists -16% of the American

population. 

August 1776 British General Howe landed fleet off of

Staten Island  Washington and his men escaped to

Manhattan Island. On December 25, 1776: Crossing of the

Delaware (Battle of Trenton)

Separate N.E from southern colonies British won small battles initially Surrendered at Saratoga on October

17, 1777 to American general Horatio Gates (Burgoyne's Blunder). 

This win made it possible for the urgently needed foreign aid from France.

Turning point in war

British General Cornwallis defeated waiting for supplies

Surrendered on October 19, 1781.

Jay, Adams, Franklin, Laurens, and William T. Franklin

Franklin, Adams and Jay Florida given to Spain Colonists granted generous boundaries,

stretching to the Mississippi on the west, to the Great Lakes on the north, and to Spanish Florida on the south.

 The Loyalists were to no longer be prosecuted.