The Battle of Lexington and Concord and the Second Continental Congress convenes
The Battle of Lexington and Concord, was the first major battle, and the starting point of military conflict in the American revolution. It was fought between the British redcoats and the American militia, on April 19 1775 across the Massachusetts area. 700 British groups were sent to capture and destroy the militia supplies. However American spies had known about the plans weeks before and moved their supplies to a different location. They also uncovered the routes that the British intended to take and informed the local militia. As the sun was rising the famous first shots were fired, which would be heard around the planet and mark the start of open combat for american independence. At the start the militia were heavily outnumbered and seemed certain to be defeated but held out against the waves of British redcoats. Reinforcements arrived and they slowly moved away from the battle towards Boston, where the 'Siege of Boston' started.
The second continental congress was a meeting between 56 delegates from the original thirteen colonies. It started on May 10th 1775 closely following the battle of Lexington and Concord. It was a makeshift government for the militia directing the war through meetings. Treaties were passed between the colonies to increase the focus on American independence.
The second continental congress was a meeting between 56 delegates from the original thirteen colonies. It started on May 10th 1775 closely following the battle of Lexington and Concord. It was a makeshift government for the militia directing the war through meetings. Treaties were passed between the colonies to increase the focus on American independence.
The Declaration of Independence
On July 4th, 1776 the official declaration of independence was written by the thirteen colonies. It was a historic and impacting event that changed the course of history. The colonies now regarded themselves as independent states and separate from the British Empire. A new country was born, one that would eventually become the most powerful country in the world: The United States of America. John Adams was the man at the center of the push for independence. He persuaded the other delegates to select Thomas Jefferson to compose the original draft. The document itself was a formal explanation of why Congress had voted to separate itself from the British Empire. This was composed more than a year after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary war and it is now celebrated by Americans on July 4th as independence day.
Apart from declaring independence, the document also asserts natural and legal rights. In particular the second sentence quotes, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness". This sentence has been praised as one of the best-known sentences in the English language. In these worlds some of the basic foundations of human rights are within which was highlighted by Abraham Lincoln.
The news of independence spread like wildfire through the colonies even though only 200 sheets were printed for distribution. It was then reprinted in newspapers, which was the main source of information at the time and also read aloud to audiences in towns.
Apart from declaring independence, the document also asserts natural and legal rights. In particular the second sentence quotes, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness". This sentence has been praised as one of the best-known sentences in the English language. In these worlds some of the basic foundations of human rights are within which was highlighted by Abraham Lincoln.
The news of independence spread like wildfire through the colonies even though only 200 sheets were printed for distribution. It was then reprinted in newspapers, which was the main source of information at the time and also read aloud to audiences in towns.
The Battles of Saratoga
The Battles of Saratoga were are series of conflict in the American war of independence that were fought between September 19th and October 7th, 1777. The battles were considered the turning point in the war as the tables turned against the British Empire. Over the eighteen days the battles were fought on the same ground, 14 kilometers south Saratoga, New York.
The British general John Burgoyne's campaign to divide and conquer New England started well but soon started to fail. In one of the battle he was surrounded by the American army and was forced into surrender. This excellent victory for the Americans was defining in France's decision to officially become allies with the Americans. This meant America now had the upper hand inn terms of ammunition, supplies, guns as well as soldiers. This made the war now a global conflict with several countries involved including Spain on the American side eventually.
In the battles the British conceded heavy casualties with 440 soldiers being killed as well as over six thousand being capture. The Americans were more fortunate, only losing 90 soldiers and as victors having no men captured. These were extremely important battles which possibly decided the outcome of the war as America gained so many allies.
The British general John Burgoyne's campaign to divide and conquer New England started well but soon started to fail. In one of the battle he was surrounded by the American army and was forced into surrender. This excellent victory for the Americans was defining in France's decision to officially become allies with the Americans. This meant America now had the upper hand inn terms of ammunition, supplies, guns as well as soldiers. This made the war now a global conflict with several countries involved including Spain on the American side eventually.
In the battles the British conceded heavy casualties with 440 soldiers being killed as well as over six thousand being capture. The Americans were more fortunate, only losing 90 soldiers and as victors having no men captured. These were extremely important battles which possibly decided the outcome of the war as America gained so many allies.