The Revolutionary War
1776
A
B
C
July 4, the Second Continental Congress declared Independence
The War raged on: Patriots v. Loyalists
Could the Continental Army be stronger than the British Army?
1777
A
B
The French begin to help the American’s Continental Army
The War raged on, battle after battle. There was major movement through the Northern
Colonies, first.
1779
A
B
The British decide to attack the Southern Colonies
The British had been consistently defeated; the Continental Army continues to gain strength
1781
A
B
The Battle of Yorktown (in Virginia) began. It lasted for one week. On October 19, the British
Army surrendered.
The Battle of Yorktown was the last BIG battle of the war.
1783
A
B
C
Although the last big battle was in 1781, the war continued for two more years.
On September 3 the United States (for the VERY FIRST TIME) and Britain signed the Treaty of
Paris.
The Revolutionary War was ended and the United States became an INDEPENDENT Nation!
Making the US Happen...CREATING
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
the US:
It takes time to think, debate, discuss, prepare, and make decisions.
For the NEXT four years – beginning in 1783 and ending in 1787, the elected leaders,
representatives, and delegates worked diligently to create, outline, and define the governmental
system for the United States.
The PLAN for the US Government is known as the Constitution of the United States of America.
It was an incredibly difficult task to write the Constitution and for the men to come to agreement.
However, in the summer of 1787, the Constitution was signed.
After the leaders signed the document, it took ONE MORE year to help persuade and convince the
citizens of the United States that the Constitution should become the LAW for our Country to
follow.
In June, 1788 the 13 STATES (they are not called Colonies anymore) chose to ratify (accept) the
Constitution.