The American Revolution

📋 Course Outline

1. Preparing for Revolution
2. Declaring Independence
3. Equality and Slavery
4. Revolutionary War Turning Points
5. British Defeat and French Support
6. Articles of Confederation

📅 Key Dates

1. September 1774The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and brought together representatives of the thirteen colonies to oppose British policies.
2. May 1775The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army and chose George Washington as Commander-in-Chief.
3. 1776–1783The American colonists fought Great Britain to obtain independence.
4. August to December 1776British forces occupied New York after defeating American forces in major battles.
5. January 1776Thomas Paine published Common Sense, a pamphlet that argued for independence and a republic.
6. July 4, 1776The Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence, mainly written by Thomas Jefferson, to justify separation from Great Britain.
7. 1777Marquis de Lafayette joined the American forces and became an important ally of George Washington.
8. October 1777The British surrendered approximately 5,700 troops at the Battle of Saratoga, encouraging France to support the American cause openly.
9. 1778France signed the…