Becoming a Nation: The United States of America

Paul Revere’s Ride: April 18, 1775

Battle of Bunker HillJune 17, 1775

The first major fight between British and American troops occurs at Boston in the

Battle of Bunker Hill.

“Common Sense”, January 9, 1776Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is published in Philadelphia. The 50 page pamphlet is highly critical of King George III and attacks allegiance to Monarchy in principle while providing strong arguments for American independence.

It becomes an instant best-seller in America. "We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world," Paine states.

Declaration of Independence: July 4, 1776

“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that they

are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among

these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness , That to Secure these Rights,

Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the

Consent of the Governed”

July 4, 1776 Preamble to the

Declaration of Independence

Then:

Now:

Battle of Long IslandAugust 27-29, 1776

Gen. Howe leads 15,000 soldiers against Washington's army in the

Battle of Long Island

Washington Crossing the DelawareDec. 26, 1776

The Battle of Saratoga results in the first major American victory of

the Revolutionary War

Battle of SaratogaOctober 7, 1777

Articles of Confederation November 15, 1777

Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation as the government of

the new United States of America

Valley ForgeJune 19, 1778

Washington sends troops from Valley Forge to intercept Gen.

Clinton

CharlestonMay 12, 1780

The worst American defeat of the Revolutionary War occurs as the British capture Charleston

and its 5400-man garrison

YORKTOWNSeptember 5-8, 1781

Off Yorktown, a major naval battle between the French fleet of de Grasse and the outnumbered British fleet of Adm. Thomas Graves results in a victory for de Grasse. The British fleet retreats to New York for reinforcements, leaving the French fleet in control of the Chesapeake.

The Surrender at YorktownOctober 19, 1781

As their band plays the tune, "The world turned upside down," the British army marches out in

formation and surrenders at Yorktown!

Original 13 Colonies that became our first

13 US States

that became our first 13 US States

National Constitution Day: September 17

The United States Constitution was adopted on September 17, 1787. The United States

Constitution was finally ratified on May 29, 1790 by the last state to do so, Rhode Island.

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Amendments: There are 27 Amendments to the Constitution, the first 10 Amendments are the Bill of Rights

Article I- The Legislative Branch

Article V- Amending the ConstitutionArticle III- The Judicial Branch

Article II- The Executive BranchArticle VII- Ratifying

the Constitution

Article VI- National Debts and Federal Supremacy

Article IV- Interstate andFederal Relations

Preamble to the US Constitution:

God Bless America!