The American Revolution
“But lest some unlucky event
should happen unfavorable to my
reputation, I beg it may be
remembered by every gentleman in
the room that I this day declare
with the utmost sincerity, I do not
think myself equal to the command
I am honored with”
The First Day
• The American Revolution began on
April 19, 1775 at Lexington.
Casualties:
British- 73 dead, 174 wounded
Americans- 49 killed, 39 wounded
British troops retreat to Boston and
the militia lay siege to the city.
Early American Stars
• Benedict Arnold a
militia commander
from Connecticut.
• Ethan Allen leader of
a group known as the
Green Mountain Boys
• May 10, 1775 they
attack and capture
Fort Ticonderoga
1775
May 10, 1775 - Second Continental
Congress meets. (NC delegates- Joseph
Hewes, William Hooper, John Penn)
May 20, 1775 - Mecklenburg Resolves
Passed: document that proclaimed that
all laws from Britain were null and void.
This is the first declaration of independence
by a colonial entity. However no official
copy still exists
Battle of Bunker Hill
• June 16- 1200 American troops take
up positions on Breed’s and Bunker Hill
• June 17- The British attack Breeds
Hill.
• Due to low ammunition the Americans
are given the order to not fire “until
they see the whites of their eyes”
(Israel Putnam)
Battle of Bunker Hill
• British troops will be pushed back
twice before capturing the Hill on
their third try.
• Casualties:
• British- 226 killed, 828 wounded
• Americans- 115 killed, 305 wounded
• The siege of Boston continues
George Washington
June 19, 1775- George Washington
given command of Continental Army
“But lest some unlucky event should
happen unfavorable to my reputation, I
beg it may be remembered by every
gentleman in the room that I this day
declare with the utmost sincerity, I do
not think myself equal to the command
I am honored with”
1775
Washington arrives in Boston July 3, 1775 (the
siege continues)
Washington decides to send troops to attack
the city of Quebec. Chooses Benedict
Arnold to command part of the operation.
1000 troops leave on September 25, 1775
Attack on Quebec Dec. 31, 1775 – Disaster
for the Americans. Arnold is wounded Daniel
Morgan takes over command and is captured.
Will be a POW until exchanged in 1777