Causes of the American Revolution

1754-1760 1764 1765 1765 Causes of the American Revolution

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1770 1773

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1775 1775 1775 American Revolutionary War

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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 proindependence 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 1768 The 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, 1778 France 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, 1766 Opposition 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. End of the War April 11, 1783 Congress officially claims an end to the Revolutionary War. The Quartering Act March 24, 1765 On 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 Party December 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. The Intolerable Acts 1774 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. Benjamin Franklin April 12, 1782 Peace talks between Benjamin Franklin and English officials begin in Paris.

Boston Massacre March 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 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. 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. 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 War 1754-1760 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. Cornwallis Surrenders October 19, 1781 General Cornwallis of the British Army, formally surrenders at Yorktown. The British army is decimated and the war is virtually over. The Townshend Act 1767 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. 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. The Tea Act 1773 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. Spain & France May 2, 1776 The 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.

First Continential Congress September 5, 1774 In 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. The Second Continential Congress May 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.

Bunker Hill June 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. End of Trade to America December 23, 1775 King George III closes all American colonies to foreign trade effective in March, 1776. Washington s Crossing December 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. Paul Revere s Midnight Ride April 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.

Saratoga October 9, 1777 Saratoga 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. 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 Signing of The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 The Declaration of Independence is ratified and sent to all 13 colonies. The New Flag June 14, 1777 A new flag with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes is mandated by congress.

1754-1760 1764 1765 1765 The French and Indian War 1754-1760 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. 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. The Quartering Act March 24, 1765 On 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. Causes of the American Revolution

1766 1767 1765 Repeal of the Stamp Act & The Declaratory Act March, 1766 Opposition 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 Townshend Act 1767 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. British Troops arrive in Boston 1768 The 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.

1770 1773 Boston Massacre March 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. The Tea Act 1773 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. 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.

1773 1774 1774 Boston Tea Party December 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. The Intolerable Acts 1774 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. First Continential Congress September 5, 1774 In 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.

1775 1775 1775 Paul Revere s Midnight Ride April 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. American Revolutionary War The Second Continential Congress May 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.

1775 1775 1775 1776 Bunker Hill June 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. End of Trade to America December 23, 1775 King George III closes all American colonies to foreign trade effective in March, 1776. 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 proindependence 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.

1776 1776 Spain & France May 2, 1776 The 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. 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.

1776 1776 1776 The Signing of The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 The 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. Washington s Crossing December 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.

1777 1777 1777 1778 The New Flag June 14, 1777 A new flag with thirteen stars and thirteen stripes is mandated by congress. Saratoga October 9, 1777 Saratoga 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. France and the United States February 6, 1778 France 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.

1780 1781 1782 1782 1783 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 Surrenders October 19, 1781 General Cornwallis of the British Army, formally surrenders at Yorktown. The British army is decimated and the war is virtually over. Start of the End February 27, 1782 The British House of Commons votes against further war with America. Benjamin Franklin April 12, 1782 Peace talks between Benjamin Franklin and English officials begin in Paris. End of the War April 11, 1783 Congress officially claims an end to the Revolutionary War. America is Free! September 3, 1783 The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris officially ending the war. America is free!