Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Exposition to Climax
Minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington and Concord.
On the morning of April 19, 1775 soldiers of the British Army were seen arriving at the Massachusetts town of Lexington. Informants say that their mission was to seize and destroy militia weapons and ammunition, but the local militia, known as The Minutemen, stood on Lexington Green, awaiting their arrival. During the stand off, the first shot was fired No one will ever know who shot first, but that one shot caused the British troops to fire at the colonial militia. The Minutemen dispersed, and the British headed toward nearby Concord. At the Concord North Bridge, a small group of militia battled a force of British soldiers. At this point, the British commander decided to retreat back toward Lexington, as it became evident that more and more Minutemen were arriving from all of the local villages and farms. During this retreat, the British kept to the road, while the American farmers fired at them from behind trees, walls and any obstacle they could find. When the British force returned to Lexington, they were met by a relief column. The combined British units then headed for Boston. The Minutemen continued to harass them the whole way. By the end of the day, British casualties numbered 273, while the colonials suffered a loss of only 94, 18 of which fell during the initial clash at Lexington. The first shots of the revolutionary war, and the exciting news of bloodshed rocketed along the eastern seaboard. Thousands of volunteers converged on Cambridge. These were the beginnings of the continental army. The American Revolutionary War had begun.
***
Bella looked up from across the table, only to have her gaze met by her father’s stormy eyes. His eyes held hers for a few a moments. Once a beautiful blue, they had turned to a dull grey. Bella looked away. She could feel him watching her when she stood up, picking up her plate. Her father grumbled something shoving his plate towards her as he slapped the week’s paper down on the table. Bella glimpsed the headline, which read “Minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington and Concord”. She grabbed her father’s plate. As she turned to the sink her mother reached out, smiling. “Let me take those, Bella! Go find your brother. I have an errand for you two.” her mother’s voice sounded strong and sweet even despite her sickness. Bella nodded her head as she hugged her mother taking in a deep breath. She loved the way her mother smelled of fresh peaches and savored every chance hug she could get. Bella took off towards the back of the house, making her way to the barn where she was doubtless going to find Edward idling as always. From the kitchen she could hear he father yelling at her mother. She blocked out the noise as she ducked into the barn making her way through the maze of tools, hay and things she couldn’t name calling out for Edward.
***
Francine scrubbed the plates with care and determination even though they were already clean. Obsessively, she continued to wash them, first dipping them into the water and then methodically wiping them clean with a cloth she had bought at the market a few days before. She was about to start again on the plates when James snapped at her “Those plates are clean and aren’t going to get any cleaner you god damned woman go do something useful for once and saddle up my horse.” She jumped slightly but quickly regained her normal posture a smile on her face. “Yes, dear” she said in the same sweet tone she used with everyone. “And forget about your stupid errand! I’m taking Edward with me into to town today.” Her husband refused to calm down.
***
Edward lay listening to the sounds coming from the barn, the sound of the creaking wood of the old building: the birds in the rafters, the newborn babes. He often came out here to relax. When he had chores to do he escaped to the loft. He could hear his sister calling but he ignored her. Who cared about chores anyways? he would just make his sister do them for him, and if she refused he would make up a story to tell his father so that she would have to. Besides, he was far too important to do menial labor anyways. Only when her voice was approaching the ladder did he sit up and look for her. He was debating on whether or not he should hide from her when his father’s strident voice floated from the kitchen through the open barn door. He grimaced and slid down the rickety ladder. The second his feet touched the ground, Bella appeared from a large stack of hay he ought to have moved. She was soon next to him. Their faces mirrored pained expression as their father’s shouting became louder.
***
Edward trotted behind his father, one hand gripped tight around the reins while the other hand was in a death grip around the saddle horn. He bobbed up and down and side to side, every second spent focusing on staying on the horse. He had never been a good rider, in fact he never seemed to be good at anything his father expected him to do well at. Edward watched the back of his father’s head with envy, his father didn’t bob the way he did. His father’s movements were graceful, he seemed full of pride and wisdom. Edward wasn’t graceful and his confidence seemed pathetic compared to his father. Gray skies lumbered overhead as Edward rode into town, following behind his father like a dog on a chain. The sky the same stormy color as his father’s eyes, portending the last rain before the draught of summer returned. Edward gazed up at the sky, trying to predict when the rain would come and how long it was going to last. They hadn’t been lucky this year, losing more than half of their cattle to disease and lack of food and water. Things had just started to look better when the war started.
***
James headed deeper into town, past old musty pawn shops and beggars who were jus as rich as he was. The town smelled of burning corpses. It wasn’t a surprise, every where James looked there were piles of decomposing bodies waiting to be burned. Some bodies still looked intact while others were already becoming stray dog’s midnight snacks. A leg here, a couple of eyes missing, no lower or upper body, that was what he saw as he moved through town. The smell didn’t bother him as much as it use to, there was nothing he hadn’t seen before. But for Edward it was different, his son hadn’t seen the kind of things he had and the smell of decaying bodies might not go over so well. James was not sure Edward could handle it this is why he asked him to stay behind. The deeper he got into town the more the body count rose.
***
Bella, left behind once again, pouted over the chores her brother had yet to do. The chores that her father was making her do, the chores that Edward could have finished in an hour because he was tall and strong. The chores she had been working on for the past two hours and that were not even halfway done! Bella grumbled non-stop, her hair plastered to her face with sweat. Sleeves rolled up to her elbow, working boots on, the same boots she had outgrown four years ago. Just her luck she happened to let loose the sheep, fall in a pile of horse crap, and almost get crushed to death by a stampede of crazed pigs.
***
Francine ignored all of the noise Bella was making outside. “Bella, go on and finish those chores so you can come in for lunch” she shouted, sticking her head out the kitchen window.
***
Bella shouted a quick response back to her mother, “I’m coming mama.” Bella slowly began herding the last few sheep back into the barn. That was when she heard the footsteps. They were quiet at first, so quiet she thought her imagination was getting to her again. The second time she heard the sound she suspected that it was one of the animals, after all the sound was coming from behind the barn. The third time she heard footsteps, she also heard voices. She was sure she wasn’t imagining things now. She picked up her pace, trying to get the last few sheep back into their pens. Once inside the musty barn she reached the loft and climbed up. There was a small window Edward had cut, making it easier for the birds to come and go. She poked her head ever so slightly out the window. Her eyes grew large and her mouth hung open as she stared into the woods behind the barn. There had to be hundreds of them she thought as she stared at the red coats walking around and setting up camp. She assumed the noises were an animal like a coyote or maybe one of the town folks out picking herbs. She never would have though the British Army was hiding in her backyard.
***
She scrambled backwards clamping her hand over her mouth to stop the scream that was building in her throat. She got one foot on the ladder and jumped, trying to move as fast as she could without making noise. She failed miserably, crashing into things all the way back to her house. It took her five minutes when it should have taken her two. Bella charged into the house racing through the living room and into the kitchen, well almost into the kitchen. A corner of her dress caught on her boot causing her to sprawl on the floor in the doorway leading to the kitchen.
***
Edward walked slowly, looking back every few seconds to make sure the horses were still there. He jingled the change in his pocket, eyeing the candy stand across from him. He took another step than stopped to look back at the horses. “Candy, get your fresh candy here!” shouted the shopkeeper, as if reading Edward’s mind. “Hey kid, yea you, come here.” Edward hesitated, taking another quick glance at the horses. “Come on, they’re tied up, they ain’t going nowhere. Come on, you want some candy, right?” Edward smiled weakly, unsure about what to do. He had tied the horses up. It was true, they weren’t going anywhere. His feet began to move on their own in the direction of the candy. He fished in his pocket for the coins, his eyes scanning the sweets. He bought the cheapest thing he could find, unwrapping the sweet and popping it into his mouth. Two children pushed by him, coins in hand arguing about something. “No, I told you!” said one of the boys. He was wearing a small green beret while the other one wore a brown one. The boy wearing the brown beret piped up, “No you said the red coasts were going to stick to the roads but they aren’t!” He paused for a quick second to pay for his candy. “Did you hear about it Mister Jenkins?” Edward assumed this was the stand owner. “The British have been seen not too far from town… near the crazy man’s barn.” Edward almost choked on the candy in his mouth. His feet kicked up dust as he ran back towards the horses, quickly untying them.
***
James walked calmly back to the horses, trying to collect his thoughts. He ignored Edward’s shouting, continuing at his own pace. The women would be fine. He had faith in Bella and in Francine. He got onto his horse when he noticed Edward attempting to gallop at full speed towards the town center. Townsfolk were already getting together to attack. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t realize how frantic everyone had become.
***
Francine stared at her daughter sprawled across the floor. A few seconds of silence ran between them before Francine’s shocked expression bubbled into uncontrollable laughter. Francine’s frail body rocked back and forth, her laughter echoing in their quiet home.
***
Edward slowed as he and his father winded up the long path, approaching the farm at a trot. He looked back and forth, his eyes scanning the woods to his right. The approached the fork in the road, stopping for a second before he and his father split in separate directions. Edward rushed off to the farm while his father bravely headed into the woods. The gravel sounded loud beneath the horse’s hooves, ever crack of the gravel making Edward cringe. He tiptoed up to the house, pulling the horse behind him and tying it to the post of the fence. He ran to the door, yanking it so hard he almost ripped it off the hinges. He ran into the living room. Edward would fight if he had to, the revolution was coming and he wasn’t going to stand by and watch it.
***
James trotted at an even pace. He easily controlled the horse as they moved fluidly between the trees. Ducking and shifting in the saddle with ease, he avoided the low branches of the trees that threatened to swat him to the ground below. He slowed down as he saw slights in front of him. He swung off the horse, grabbing the reins and wrapping it around the tree next to him. He slowly approached the lights, dropping into a crouch. From the small dim light that was coming from the lanterns before him he could see tents and men sitting around several fires. Night was coming fast and the British would attachk soon. The townsfolk were gathering with their rifles, ready for the revolution at hand. James would take Edward back to town so they could join the townspeople in their attack on the British. A war he had hope would miss the little peaceful town was being dragged head first into it.
***
Bella scrambled to her feet, brushing off her clothes as she stared horrified at her mother’s laughing expression. She didn’t know what to do, how to tell her mother what was happening. Her mind was a buzz of chaos. He lips wouldn’t move, the only sound she made was a small squeak. She couldn’t breath, her face felt hot and her legs felt like jelly beneath her. She blurted it out, blurted out what she had seen waiting her mother to start laughing again. Her mother didn’t laugh.
***
The silence that floated between them caused a strange feeling of relief to pass through Bella, only to soon was it brought back by the sounds of footsteps coming from behind her. Her reflexes kick started, her hand automatically crunching into a fist her arm flying out to strike the imposter.
***
Edward moved fast through the house unsure if he should find Bella first or his mother, the last he remembered Bella was in the barn, while his mother had been left in the kitchen. He hesitated wobbling on the heels of his feet before spinning towards the kitchen. He took one step towards the doorway, a small cry escaped his mouth, shouting in alarm at the blur of Bella’s fist. It caught him square on the head, his head snapping back, ringing in his ears, his legs jellified beneath him sending him flopping to the floor.
***
Bella and her mother let out a synchronized oh my as Edward fell to the floor, Bella’s hand flew to cover the shocked expression plastered to her face as well as the quickly spreading smile at her lips. “Oh my Edward!” Bella squeaked lending a hand to help him up. “I’m so so sorry it’s just you….you scared me!” she stammered.
***
James began to slowly move back retracing his steps to the horse. A small wind blew through the tree’s creating a sense that the tree’s were alive, watching his every move. His mind began to wander back to his family when a twig beneath his feet snapped, he instantly froze not a muscle moved in his body. Fear began to rise as he was sure they had heard him, positive he was going to be killed. Five minutes passed without anyone coming to check to see what the noise was, he still hadn’t moved, part of him wanted to stay frozen forever never again would he have to deal with the problems of life. While the other part of him knew he had to move, knew he had to warn the villagers how badly they were outnumbered. He rose slowly, still crouching, as he starting backtracking again to the horse. He turned to the horse gently stroking it’s maine to calm it, as he untied the rope that was keeping it to the tree, the sound of a twig snapping came from behind, he froze turning his head slowly he was met by the gaze of five British soldiers, all of them were armed.
***
On the morning of April 19, 1775 soldiers of the British Army were seen arriving at the Massachusetts town of Lexington. Informants say that their mission was to seize and destroy militia weapons and ammunition, but the local militia, known as The Minutemen, stood on Lexington Green, awaiting their arrival. During the stand off, the first shot was fired No one will ever know who shot first, but that one shot caused the British troops to fire at the colonial militia. The Minutemen dispersed, and the British headed toward nearby Concord. At the Concord North Bridge, a small group of militia battled a force of British soldiers. At this point, the British commander decided to retreat back toward Lexington, as it became evident that more and more Minutemen were arriving from all of the local villages and farms. During this retreat, the British kept to the road, while the American farmers fired at them from behind trees, walls and any obstacle they could find. When the British force returned to Lexington, they were met by a relief column. The combined British units then headed for Boston. The Minutemen continued to harass them the whole way. By the end of the day, British casualties numbered 273, while the colonials suffered a loss of only 94, 18 of which fell during the initial clash at Lexington. The first shots of the revolutionary war, and the exciting news of bloodshed rocketed along the eastern seaboard. Thousands of volunteers converged on Cambridge. These were the beginnings of the continental army. The American Revolutionary War had begun.
Bella looked up from across the table, only to have her gaze met by her father’s stormy eyes. His eyes held hers for a few a moments. Once a beautiful blue, they had turned to a dull grey. Bella looked away. She could feel him watching her when she stood up, picking up her plate. Her father grumbled something shoving his plate towards her as he slapped the week’s paper down on the table. Bella glimpsed the headline, which read “Minutemen and redcoats clash at Lexington and Concord”. She grabbed her father’s plate. As she turned to the sink her mother reached out, smiling. “Let me take those, Bella! Go find your brother. I have an errand for you two.” her mother’s voice sounded strong and sweet even despite her sickness. Bella nodded her head as she hugged her mother taking in a deep breath. She loved the way her mother smelled of fresh peaches and savored every chance hug she could get. Bella took off towards the back of the house, making her way to the barn where she was doubtless going to find Edward idling as always. From the kitchen she could hear he father yelling at her mother. She blocked out the noise as she ducked into the barn making her way through the maze of tools, hay and things she couldn’t name calling out for Edward.
Francine scrubbed the plates with care and determination even though they were already clean. Obsessively, she continued to wash them, first dipping them into the water and then methodically wiping them clean with a cloth she had bought at the market a few days before. She was about to start again on the plates when James snapped at her “Those plates are clean and aren’t going to get any cleaner you god damned woman go do something useful for once and saddle up my horse.” She jumped slightly but quickly regained her normal posture a smile on her face. “Yes, dear” she said in the same sweet tone she used with everyone. “And forget about your stupid errand! I’m taking Edward with me into to town today.” Her husband refused to calm down.
Edward lay listening to the sounds coming from the barn, the sound of the creaking wood of the old building: the birds in the rafters, the newborn babes. He often came out here to relax. When he had chores to do he escaped to the loft. He could hear his sister calling but he ignored her. Who cared about chores anyways? he would just make his sister do them for him, and if she refused he would make up a story to tell his father so that she would have to. Besides, he was far too important to do menial labor anyways. Only when her voice was approaching the ladder did he sit up and look for her. He was debating on whether or not he should hide from her when his father’s strident voice floated from the kitchen through the open barn door. He grimaced and slid down the rickety ladder. The second his feet touched the ground, Bella appeared from a large stack of hay he ought to have moved. She was soon next to him. Their faces mirrored pained expression as their father’s shouting became louder.
Edward trotted behind his father, one hand gripped tight around the reins while the other hand was in a death grip around the saddle horn. He bobbed up and down and side to side, every second spent focusing on staying on the horse. He had never been a good rider, in fact he never seemed to be good at anything his father expected him to do well at. Edward watched the back of his father’s head with envy, his father didn’t bob the way he did. His father’s movements were graceful, he seemed full of pride and wisdom. Edward wasn’t graceful and his confidence seemed pathetic compared to his father. Gray skies lumbered overhead as Edward rode into town, following behind his father like a dog on a chain. The sky the same stormy color as his father’s eyes, portending the last rain before the draught of summer returned. Edward gazed up at the sky, trying to predict when the rain would come and how long it was going to last. They hadn’t been lucky this year, losing more than half of their cattle to disease and lack of food and water. Things had just started to look better when the war started.
James headed deeper into town, past old musty pawn shops and beggars who were jus as rich as he was. The town smelled of burning corpses. It wasn’t a surprise, every where James looked there were piles of decomposing bodies waiting to be burned. Some bodies still looked intact while others were already becoming stray dog’s midnight snacks. A leg here, a couple of eyes missing, no lower or upper body, that was what he saw as he moved through town. The smell didn’t bother him as much as it use to, there was nothing he hadn’t seen before. But for Edward it was different, his son hadn’t seen the kind of things he had and the smell of decaying bodies might not go over so well. James was not sure Edward could handle it this is why he asked him to stay behind. The deeper he got into town the more the body count rose.
Bella, left behind once again, pouted over the chores her brother had yet to do. The chores that her father was making her do, the chores that Edward could have finished in an hour because he was tall and strong. The chores she had been working on for the past two hours and that were not even halfway done! Bella grumbled non-stop, her hair plastered to her face with sweat. Sleeves rolled up to her elbow, working boots on, the same boots she had outgrown four years ago. Just her luck she happened to let loose the sheep, fall in a pile of horse crap, and almost get crushed to death by a stampede of crazed pigs.
Francine ignored all of the noise Bella was making outside. “Bella, go on and finish those chores so you can come in for lunch” she shouted, sticking her head out the kitchen window.
Bella shouted a quick response back to her mother, “I’m coming mama.” Bella slowly began herding the last few sheep back into the barn. That was when she heard the footsteps. They were quiet at first, so quiet she thought her imagination was getting to her again. The second time she heard the sound she suspected that it was one of the animals, after all the sound was coming from behind the barn. The third time she heard footsteps, she also heard voices. She was sure she wasn’t imagining things now. She picked up her pace, trying to get the last few sheep back into their pens. Once inside the musty barn she reached the loft and climbed up. There was a small window Edward had cut, making it easier for the birds to come and go. She poked her head ever so slightly out the window. Her eyes grew large and her mouth hung open as she stared into the woods behind the barn. There had to be hundreds of them she thought as she stared at the red coats walking around and setting up camp. She assumed the noises were an animal like a coyote or maybe one of the town folks out picking herbs. She never would have though the British Army was hiding in her backyard.
She scrambled backwards clamping her hand over her mouth to stop the scream that was building in her throat. She got one foot on the ladder and jumped, trying to move as fast as she could without making noise. She failed miserably, crashing into things all the way back to her house. It took her five minutes when it should have taken her two. Bella charged into the house racing through the living room and into the kitchen, well almost into the kitchen. A corner of her dress caught on her boot causing her to sprawl on the floor in the doorway leading to the kitchen.
James walked calmly back to the horses, trying to collect his thoughts. He ignored Edward’s shouting, continuing at his own pace. The women would be fine. He had faith in Bella and in Francine. He got onto his horse when he noticed Edward attempting to gallop at full speed towards the town center. Townsfolk were already getting together to attack. He was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t realize how frantic everyone had become.
Edward slowed as he and his father winded up the long path, approaching the farm at a trot. He looked back and forth, his eyes scanning the woods to his right. The approached the fork in the road, stopping for a second before he and his father split in separate directions. Edward rushed off to the farm while his father bravely headed into the woods. The gravel sounded loud beneath the horse’s hooves, ever crack of the gravel making Edward cringe. He tiptoed up to the house, pulling the horse behind him and tying it to the post of the fence. He ran to the door, yanking it so hard he almost ripped it off the hinges. He ran into the living room. Edward would fight if he had to, the revolution was coming and he wasn’t going to stand by and watch it.
James trotted at an even pace. He easily controlled the horse as they moved fluidly between the trees. Ducking and shifting in the saddle with ease, he avoided the low branches of the trees that threatened to swat him to the ground below. He slowed down as he saw slights in front of him. He swung off the horse, grabbing the reins and wrapping it around the tree next to him. He slowly approached the lights, dropping into a crouch. From the small dim light that was coming from the lanterns before him he could see tents and men sitting around several fires. Night was coming fast and the British would attachk soon. The townsfolk were gathering with their rifles, ready for the revolution at hand. James would take Edward back to town so they could join the townspeople in their attack on the British. A war he had hope would miss the little peaceful town was being dragged head first into it.
Bella scrambled to her feet, brushing off her clothes as she stared horrified at her mother’s laughing expression. She didn’t know what to do, how to tell her mother what was happening. Her mind was a buzz of chaos. He lips wouldn’t move, the only sound she made was a small squeak. She couldn’t breath, her face felt hot and her legs felt like jelly beneath her. She blurted it out, blurted out what she had seen waiting her mother to start laughing again. Her mother didn’t laugh.
The silence that floated between them caused a strange feeling of relief to pass through Bella, only to soon was it brought back by the sounds of footsteps coming from behind her. Her reflexes kick started, her hand automatically crunching into a fist her arm flying out to strike the imposter.
Edward moved fast through the house unsure if he should find Bella first or his mother, the last he remembered Bella was in the barn, while his mother had been left in the kitchen. He hesitated wobbling on the heels of his feet before spinning towards the kitchen. He took one step towards the doorway, a small cry escaped his mouth, shouting in alarm at the blur of Bella’s fist. It caught him square on the head, his head snapping back, ringing in his ears, his legs jellified beneath him sending him flopping to the floor.
Bella and her mother let out a synchronized oh my as Edward fell to the floor, Bella’s hand flew to cover the shocked expression plastered to her face as well as the quickly spreading smile at her lips. “Oh my Edward!” Bella squeaked lending a hand to help him up. “I’m so so sorry it’s just you….you scared me!” she stammered.
James began to slowly move back retracing his steps to the horse. A small wind blew through the tree’s creating a sense that the tree’s were alive, watching his every move. His mind began to wander back to his family when a twig beneath his feet snapped, he instantly froze not a muscle moved in his body. Fear began to rise as he was sure they had heard him, positive he was going to be killed. Five minutes passed without anyone coming to check to see what the noise was, he still hadn’t moved, part of him wanted to stay frozen forever never again would he have to deal with the problems of life. While the other part of him knew he had to move, knew he had to warn the villagers how badly they were outnumbered. He rose slowly, still crouching, as he starting backtracking again to the horse. He turned to the horse gently stroking it’s maine to calm it, as he untied the rope that was keeping it to the tree, the sound of a twig snapping came from behind, he froze turning his head slowly he was met by the gaze of five British soldiers, all of them were armed.
Monday, January 22, 2007
The American Revolution
Key events of the American Revolution
End of the Seven Years War
February 10, 1763
The Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years War (French and Indian War). France surrenders all of its North American possessions east of the Mississippi to Britain. This ends a source of insecurity for the British colonists along the Atlantic Coast. The costs of the war and maintaining an army will lead the British government to impose new taxes on its colonists, with world-shaking results.
Passage of the Stamp Act
March 22, 1765
Britain passes the Stamp Act, imposing a tax on legal documents, newspapers, even playing cards. This is the first direct tax on the American colonists and is hotly resisted. A successful American campaign to have the act repealed will give Americans confidence that they can avoid future taxes as well.
British troops occupy Boston
October 1768
British troops land in Boston to enforce the Townshend duties (taxes on paint, paper, tea, etc., passed in June 1767) and clamp down on local radicals. The troops' presence doesn't sit well with locals and leads to street fights. One clash between soldiers and a mob in March 1770 will leave five dead. Radicals will call it the Boston Massacre, while the British will call it the incident on King Street.
Committees of Correspondence established
Spring 1772
Committees of Correspondence are established throughout the colonies to coordinate American response to British colonial policy. This represents an important move toward cooperation, mutual action, and the development of a national identity among Americans.
Britain tries to intimidate Massachusetts
March to June, 1774
The British Parliament passes the Coercive Acts, often called the Intolerable Acts in America. Among other actions, Britain closes the port of Boston and requires British troops to be housed in taverns and vacant buildings. The acts generate considerable sympathy for Massachusetts among other colonies.
War breaks out
April 19, 1775
The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The news of the bloodshed rockets along the eastern seaboard, and thousands of volunteers converge on Cambridge, Mass. These are the beginnings of the Continental Army.
British form an alliance with patriots' slaves
November 1775
The British governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issues a proclamation offering freedom to any slaves of rebellious Americans who are able to enter British lines. Throughout the course of the war, tens of thousands of African Americans will seek their freedom by supporting the British. A smaller number will fight on the patriot (pro-independence) side, despite policies that discourage their enlistment.
Americans hold their own at the Battle of Bunker Hill
June 17, 1775
In the first major action of the war, inexperienced colonial soldiers hold off hardened British veterans for more than two hours. Although eventually forced to abandon their position on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston, the patriots show that they are not intimidated by the long lines of red-coated infantrymen. Of the 2,200 British seeing action, more than 1,000 end up dead or wounded.
Loyalists defeated at Moores Creek
February 27, 1776
A force of loyalists (Americans who want to remain British subjects), most of them of Scots descent, is defeated by a patriot army at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. This setback will largely quiet loyalist activity in the Carolinas for three years.
South Carolinians repel British attempt to take Charleston
June 28, 1776
A British invasion force mounts an all-day attack on a patriot force on Sullivan’s Island. The invaders are unable to land their troops on the island, and the tricky waters of Charleston Harbor frustrate the British navy. The fleet retires in defeat, and South Carolina will remain untouched by the enemy for three more years.
Visit The Park: Fort Moultrie National Monument
America declares its independence
July 1776
The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Following a decade of agitation over taxes and a year of war, representatives make the break with Britain. King George III isn't willing to let his subjects go without a fight, and loyalist sentiment remains strong in many areas. Americans' primary allegiance is to their states; nationalism will grow slowly.
Washington crosses the Delaware
December 1776 - January 1777
In a bold move, Washington moves his troops into New Jersey on Christmas night. The patriots then surprise a force of German troops fighting for Britain at Trenton on December 26. They achieve a similar victory over British troops at Princeton on January 3, reviving hopes that the war just might be winnable. The army then encamps for the winter at Morristown, New Jersey.
Big British setback at Saratoga
October 17, 1777
General John Burgoyne's attempt to separate the rebellious New England colonies from those farther south ends in a spectacular failure. The surrender of 6,000 British regulars at Saratoga will shock London and help induce France to enter the war on the American side.
Visit The Park: Saratoga National Historical Park
Winter of change for the Continental Army
December 1777
With the British occupying Philadelphia just 20 miles away, the Continental Army enters winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. During the winter, supply arrangements will be improved and the Continental troops will be drilled and emerge as a more disciplined, unified fighting force.
Visit The Park: Valley Forge National Historical Park
France enters the war against Britain
February 1778
As a result of the patriot victory at Saratoga and American diplomatic efforts, France allies itself with the new American government. French financial and military aid will prove critical in winning the war. The Continental Army will learn of the French Alliance in May.
George Rogers Clark attacks the British in the Ohio country
May - December, 1778
With barely 150 men, Virginian George Rogers Clark captures several British posts in the Ohio Territory (present-day Illinois and Indiana) and convinces French-speaking inhabitants of Kaskaskia and Cahokia to support the patriot side. Although Indians will continue to oppose white settlement for three decades, Clark's exploits pave the way for the expansion of the U.S. north of the Ohio River.
Charleston falls to the British
May 12, 1780
The British take Charleston, S.C., capture a large patriot army, and deal the rebels one of their worst defeats of the war. The Charleston move is part of a broader British strategy to hang on to the southern colonies, at least, now that the war is stalemated in Pennsylvania and New York.
Kings Mountain victory revives patriot hopes
October 7, 1780
Patriot militia from the Carolinas, Virginia, and present-day Tennessee surround and defeat a force of loyalists under Major Patrick Ferguson at Kings Mountain, S.C. Indicating the deep divisions within America, Ferguson is the only British soldier on the field-Kings Mountain is truly a battle among Americans about their future.
The American tide continues at the Cowpens
January 17, 1781
Continental soldiers and patriot militia under General Daniel Morgan defeat a British force under Banastre Tarleton at Cowpens. Coming on the heels of the victory at Kings Mountain, Cowpens helps convince worried patriots that the British southern strategy can be countered.
Costly British victory at Guilford Courthouse
March 15, 1781
British troops win a costly victory over Continentals and militia at Guilford Courthouse, N.C. The battle is part of General Nathanael Greene's strategy of engaging the British on ground of his choosing. Without winning a single clear-cut victory, he will succeed in wearing down the British army through hit-and-run tactics and set-piece battles.
Visit The Park: Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Longest siege of the war at Ninety Six
May - June, 1781
The isolated British garrison at Ninety Six is laid siege to by patriot forces under Gen. Nathanael Greene. The approach of a British relief column leads Greene to make a final, unsuccessful assault on the fort on June 18. The events at Ninety Six underline the fact that Britain has too few troops to hold the southern hinterlands.
Visit The Park: Ninety Six National Historic Site
Large British army surrenders at Yorktown
September - October, 1781
A joint French and American force traps a large British army on Virginia's Yorktown peninsula. Unable to evacuate or receive reinforcements because a French fleet has driven off a British fleet, General Cornwallis is forced to surrender. Although New York City and Charleston, S.C., will remain in British hands until a peace treaty is signed two years later, the war for American independence is essentially over.
Loyalists leave America
January 1782
The evacuation of loyalists begins. Largely unwelcome in the new United States, about 100,000 Americans who remained loyal to the crown find new lives in Britain, Canada, and British colonies in the West Indies. Among them are about 15,000 African Americans, some of whom end up helping to found the country of Sierra Leone in Africa. The loyalist experience will have a profound effect on the development of Canada's national identity.
Treaty of Paris officially ends state of war
September 3, 1783
The Treaty of Paris ratifies the independence of the 13 North American states. Canada remains a British province, beginning its separate development as a U.S. neighbor. Another war with England (1812 - 1815) will be necessary to truly secure the American nation.
American victory pushes Indians farther west
October 1784
The Treaty of Fort Stanwix imposes a peace on those members of the Iroquois Confederacy that sided with the British in the Revolution. The war's aftermath will prove devastating to Native Americans. With no European allies to rely upon, Indian tribes will be under increasing pressure from settlers moving west out of the original 13 states.
Visit The Park: Fort Stanwix National Monument
U.S. Constitution replaces the Articles of Confederation
1787
A convention of states in Philadelphia proposes the Constitution to replace the much looser central government operating under the Articles of Confederation (adopted in 1777). With amendments, the Constitution remains the framework of government in the U.S.
Key People Involved in the American Revolution
1706 1/5/1706 Benjamin Franklin
1708 11/3/1708 William Pitt
1716 12/22/1715 William von Knyphausen
1716 12/22/1715 George Sackville [Lord] Germain
1718 2/10/1718 Sir George Rodney
1719 12/19/1719 Charles Gravier Comte de Vergennes
1721 12/23/1720 Thomas Gage
1721 6/21/1721 Baron Johann von Kalb
1722 12/24/1721 John Burgoyne
1724 12/24/1723 Sir Guy Carleton
1724 12/4/1724 Sir Samuel Hood
1725 12/24/1724 Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur Comte de Rochambeau
1726 3/1/1726 Richard Lord Howe
1727 7/19/1727 Horatio Gates
1729 8/4/1729 Sir William Howe
1731 1/31/1731 Charles Lee
1732 1/14/1732 Henry Lee
1733 1/19/1733 Benjamin Lincoln
1733 11/6/1733 Phillip Schuyler
1735 12/27/1734 Daniel Morgan
1735 10/25/1735 John Adams
1736 11/27/1736 Richard Montgomery
1738 12/28/1737 Ethan Allen
1738 12/28/1737 Baron Friedrich Adolphus von Riedesel
1738 12/28/1737 Sir Henry Clinton
1738 5/31/1738 King George III
1738 12/27/1738 Lord Charles Cornwalis
1740 2/13/1740 John Sullivan
1741 1/11/1741 Benedict Arnold
1741 6/8/1741 Joseph Warren
1741 8/24/1741 Joseph Reed
1742 12/29/1741 Nathanael Greene
1743 4/10/1743 Thomas Jefferson
1745 12/29/1744 "Mad" Anthony Wayne
1750 7/24/1750 Henry Knox
1751 12/31/1750 Francis Rawdon
1751 12/31/1750 John Andre
1754 8/21/1754 Banastre Tarleton
1755 1/11/1755 Alexander Hamilton
1757 9/6/1757 Marquis de Lafayette
1773 3/23/1775 Patrick Henry
1775 4/19/1775 John Hancock
1775 4/19/1775 Samuel Adams
1775 4/19/1775 Jean Baptiste d' Comte Estaing
1775 4/19/1775 Green Mountain Boys
1726 4/19/1775 William Alexander Lord Stirling
1775 4/19/1775 William Washington
1775 4/19/1775 Hessians
1776 12/26/1776 Johann Rall
1799 1/1/1779 George Washington
Sources
http://www.finplan.com/history/people.asp
http://www.nps.gov/revwar/about_the_revolution/timeline_of_events.html
End of the Seven Years War
February 10, 1763
The Treaty of Paris ends the Seven Years War (French and Indian War). France surrenders all of its North American possessions east of the Mississippi to Britain. This ends a source of insecurity for the British colonists along the Atlantic Coast. The costs of the war and maintaining an army will lead the British government to impose new taxes on its colonists, with world-shaking results.
Passage of the Stamp Act
March 22, 1765
Britain passes the Stamp Act, imposing a tax on legal documents, newspapers, even playing cards. This is the first direct tax on the American colonists and is hotly resisted. A successful American campaign to have the act repealed will give Americans confidence that they can avoid future taxes as well.
British troops occupy Boston
October 1768
British troops land in Boston to enforce the Townshend duties (taxes on paint, paper, tea, etc., passed in June 1767) and clamp down on local radicals. The troops' presence doesn't sit well with locals and leads to street fights. One clash between soldiers and a mob in March 1770 will leave five dead. Radicals will call it the Boston Massacre, while the British will call it the incident on King Street.
Committees of Correspondence established
Spring 1772
Committees of Correspondence are established throughout the colonies to coordinate American response to British colonial policy. This represents an important move toward cooperation, mutual action, and the development of a national identity among Americans.
Britain tries to intimidate Massachusetts
March to June, 1774
The British Parliament passes the Coercive Acts, often called the Intolerable Acts in America. Among other actions, Britain closes the port of Boston and requires British troops to be housed in taverns and vacant buildings. The acts generate considerable sympathy for Massachusetts among other colonies.
War breaks out
April 19, 1775
The first shots of the Revolutionary War are fired at Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. The news of the bloodshed rockets along the eastern seaboard, and thousands of volunteers converge on Cambridge, Mass. These are the beginnings of the Continental Army.
British form an alliance with patriots' slaves
November 1775
The British governor of Virginia, Lord Dunmore, issues a proclamation offering freedom to any slaves of rebellious Americans who are able to enter British lines. Throughout the course of the war, tens of thousands of African Americans will seek their freedom by supporting the British. A smaller number will fight on the patriot (pro-independence) side, despite policies that discourage their enlistment.
Americans hold their own at the Battle of Bunker Hill
June 17, 1775
In the first major action of the war, inexperienced colonial soldiers hold off hardened British veterans for more than two hours. Although eventually forced to abandon their position on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston, the patriots show that they are not intimidated by the long lines of red-coated infantrymen. Of the 2,200 British seeing action, more than 1,000 end up dead or wounded.
Loyalists defeated at Moores Creek
February 27, 1776
A force of loyalists (Americans who want to remain British subjects), most of them of Scots descent, is defeated by a patriot army at the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge. This setback will largely quiet loyalist activity in the Carolinas for three years.
South Carolinians repel British attempt to take Charleston
June 28, 1776
A British invasion force mounts an all-day attack on a patriot force on Sullivan’s Island. The invaders are unable to land their troops on the island, and the tricky waters of Charleston Harbor frustrate the British navy. The fleet retires in defeat, and South Carolina will remain untouched by the enemy for three more years.
Visit The Park: Fort Moultrie National Monument
America declares its independence
July 1776
The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Following a decade of agitation over taxes and a year of war, representatives make the break with Britain. King George III isn't willing to let his subjects go without a fight, and loyalist sentiment remains strong in many areas. Americans' primary allegiance is to their states; nationalism will grow slowly.
Washington crosses the Delaware
December 1776 - January 1777
In a bold move, Washington moves his troops into New Jersey on Christmas night. The patriots then surprise a force of German troops fighting for Britain at Trenton on December 26. They achieve a similar victory over British troops at Princeton on January 3, reviving hopes that the war just might be winnable. The army then encamps for the winter at Morristown, New Jersey.
Big British setback at Saratoga
October 17, 1777
General John Burgoyne's attempt to separate the rebellious New England colonies from those farther south ends in a spectacular failure. The surrender of 6,000 British regulars at Saratoga will shock London and help induce France to enter the war on the American side.
Visit The Park: Saratoga National Historical Park
Winter of change for the Continental Army
December 1777
With the British occupying Philadelphia just 20 miles away, the Continental Army enters winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. During the winter, supply arrangements will be improved and the Continental troops will be drilled and emerge as a more disciplined, unified fighting force.
Visit The Park: Valley Forge National Historical Park
France enters the war against Britain
February 1778
As a result of the patriot victory at Saratoga and American diplomatic efforts, France allies itself with the new American government. French financial and military aid will prove critical in winning the war. The Continental Army will learn of the French Alliance in May.
George Rogers Clark attacks the British in the Ohio country
May - December, 1778
With barely 150 men, Virginian George Rogers Clark captures several British posts in the Ohio Territory (present-day Illinois and Indiana) and convinces French-speaking inhabitants of Kaskaskia and Cahokia to support the patriot side. Although Indians will continue to oppose white settlement for three decades, Clark's exploits pave the way for the expansion of the U.S. north of the Ohio River.
Charleston falls to the British
May 12, 1780
The British take Charleston, S.C., capture a large patriot army, and deal the rebels one of their worst defeats of the war. The Charleston move is part of a broader British strategy to hang on to the southern colonies, at least, now that the war is stalemated in Pennsylvania and New York.
Kings Mountain victory revives patriot hopes
October 7, 1780
Patriot militia from the Carolinas, Virginia, and present-day Tennessee surround and defeat a force of loyalists under Major Patrick Ferguson at Kings Mountain, S.C. Indicating the deep divisions within America, Ferguson is the only British soldier on the field-Kings Mountain is truly a battle among Americans about their future.
The American tide continues at the Cowpens
January 17, 1781
Continental soldiers and patriot militia under General Daniel Morgan defeat a British force under Banastre Tarleton at Cowpens. Coming on the heels of the victory at Kings Mountain, Cowpens helps convince worried patriots that the British southern strategy can be countered.
Costly British victory at Guilford Courthouse
March 15, 1781
British troops win a costly victory over Continentals and militia at Guilford Courthouse, N.C. The battle is part of General Nathanael Greene's strategy of engaging the British on ground of his choosing. Without winning a single clear-cut victory, he will succeed in wearing down the British army through hit-and-run tactics and set-piece battles.
Visit The Park: Guilford Courthouse National Military Park
Longest siege of the war at Ninety Six
May - June, 1781
The isolated British garrison at Ninety Six is laid siege to by patriot forces under Gen. Nathanael Greene. The approach of a British relief column leads Greene to make a final, unsuccessful assault on the fort on June 18. The events at Ninety Six underline the fact that Britain has too few troops to hold the southern hinterlands.
Visit The Park: Ninety Six National Historic Site
Large British army surrenders at Yorktown
September - October, 1781
A joint French and American force traps a large British army on Virginia's Yorktown peninsula. Unable to evacuate or receive reinforcements because a French fleet has driven off a British fleet, General Cornwallis is forced to surrender. Although New York City and Charleston, S.C., will remain in British hands until a peace treaty is signed two years later, the war for American independence is essentially over.
Loyalists leave America
January 1782
The evacuation of loyalists begins. Largely unwelcome in the new United States, about 100,000 Americans who remained loyal to the crown find new lives in Britain, Canada, and British colonies in the West Indies. Among them are about 15,000 African Americans, some of whom end up helping to found the country of Sierra Leone in Africa. The loyalist experience will have a profound effect on the development of Canada's national identity.
Treaty of Paris officially ends state of war
September 3, 1783
The Treaty of Paris ratifies the independence of the 13 North American states. Canada remains a British province, beginning its separate development as a U.S. neighbor. Another war with England (1812 - 1815) will be necessary to truly secure the American nation.
American victory pushes Indians farther west
October 1784
The Treaty of Fort Stanwix imposes a peace on those members of the Iroquois Confederacy that sided with the British in the Revolution. The war's aftermath will prove devastating to Native Americans. With no European allies to rely upon, Indian tribes will be under increasing pressure from settlers moving west out of the original 13 states.
Visit The Park: Fort Stanwix National Monument
U.S. Constitution replaces the Articles of Confederation
1787
A convention of states in Philadelphia proposes the Constitution to replace the much looser central government operating under the Articles of Confederation (adopted in 1777). With amendments, the Constitution remains the framework of government in the U.S.
Key People Involved in the American Revolution
1706 1/5/1706 Benjamin Franklin
1708 11/3/1708 William Pitt
1716 12/22/1715 William von Knyphausen
1716 12/22/1715 George Sackville [Lord] Germain
1718 2/10/1718 Sir George Rodney
1719 12/19/1719 Charles Gravier Comte de Vergennes
1721 12/23/1720 Thomas Gage
1721 6/21/1721 Baron Johann von Kalb
1722 12/24/1721 John Burgoyne
1724 12/24/1723 Sir Guy Carleton
1724 12/4/1724 Sir Samuel Hood
1725 12/24/1724 Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur Comte de Rochambeau
1726 3/1/1726 Richard Lord Howe
1727 7/19/1727 Horatio Gates
1729 8/4/1729 Sir William Howe
1731 1/31/1731 Charles Lee
1732 1/14/1732 Henry Lee
1733 1/19/1733 Benjamin Lincoln
1733 11/6/1733 Phillip Schuyler
1735 12/27/1734 Daniel Morgan
1735 10/25/1735 John Adams
1736 11/27/1736 Richard Montgomery
1738 12/28/1737 Ethan Allen
1738 12/28/1737 Baron Friedrich Adolphus von Riedesel
1738 12/28/1737 Sir Henry Clinton
1738 5/31/1738 King George III
1738 12/27/1738 Lord Charles Cornwalis
1740 2/13/1740 John Sullivan
1741 1/11/1741 Benedict Arnold
1741 6/8/1741 Joseph Warren
1741 8/24/1741 Joseph Reed
1742 12/29/1741 Nathanael Greene
1743 4/10/1743 Thomas Jefferson
1745 12/29/1744 "Mad" Anthony Wayne
1750 7/24/1750 Henry Knox
1751 12/31/1750 Francis Rawdon
1751 12/31/1750 John Andre
1754 8/21/1754 Banastre Tarleton
1755 1/11/1755 Alexander Hamilton
1757 9/6/1757 Marquis de Lafayette
1773 3/23/1775 Patrick Henry
1775 4/19/1775 John Hancock
1775 4/19/1775 Samuel Adams
1775 4/19/1775 Jean Baptiste d' Comte Estaing
1775 4/19/1775 Green Mountain Boys
1726 4/19/1775 William Alexander Lord Stirling
1775 4/19/1775 William Washington
1775 4/19/1775 Hessians
1776 12/26/1776 Johann Rall
1799 1/1/1779 George Washington
Sources
http://www.finplan.com/history/people.asp
http://www.nps.gov/revwar/about_the_revolution/timeline_of_events.html
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