Boston Tea Party To protest British tax policies, Bostonians dump 342 chests of tea—the cargo of three ships— into Boston Harbor.

Lexington and Concord British general Thomas Gage’s plans to seize rebel leaders at Lexington and military stores at Concord leads to Paul Revere’s ride and the “shot heard round the world” as the first military action of the war takes place on Lexington Green.

Second Continental Congress The Second Continental Congress takes control of the war effort. It will approve raising an army, print money and, on 15 June, appoint George Washington commander-in-chief.

Bunker Hill breeds war American troops dug in on Breed’s, rather than Bunker Hill overlooking Boston. They face three assaults and inflict heavy casualties on the British troops before their position is overrun after the Americans run low on ammunition during the first major battle of the war.

Paine makes sense Thomas Paine’s short pamphlet, Common Sense—arguing for American independence—becomes a best-seller and goes through 25 editions in its first year. Paine donates royalties from the book to the Patriot cause.

Independence declared After a month of discussion and drafting, the Second Continental Congress approves the Declaration of Independence.

Battle of Long Island General Howe defeats Washington in the three-day Battle of Long Island. The colonial army faces capture and possible surrender, but the Americans escape across the East River by night.

Across the Delaware Washington crosses the Delaware River with 2,400 troops to launch a successful surprise attack on Hessian troops in Trenton, New Jersey. He will follow this up with a victory at Princeton in January 1777.

The Stars and Stripes The Continental Congress establishes the flag of the United States consisting of 13 stars in a blue field, representing a new constellation, and 13 alternating white and red stripes.

Surrender at Saratoga General Burgoyne surrenders his army after defeat at Saratoga, New York, in the first major American victory of the Revolutionary War. The victory inspires European support for the Americans' cause.

Valley Forge General Washington and the Continental Army establish winter quarters in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

France joins the fight France declares war on Britain.

John Paul Jones In the midst of his desperate battle with the British frigate Serapis, John Paul Jones famously/allegedly responds to a call for surrender with, “I have not yet begun to fight!” then captures the Serapis.

Siege of Charleston The British deal the Americans their worst defeat of the war when they capture Charleston and the Americans’ southern army.

Benedict Arnold American General Benedict Arnold is exposed as a traitor when a British officer in civilian clothing is captured near Tarrytown, New York, with a copy of Arnold’s plans to surrender West Point to the British.

Mutiny Two incidents of mutiny threaten the Continental Army. The first, among Pennsylvania troops demanding back pay and the honoring of terms of enlistment, is settled by negotiation. The second is put down by force, and two of the leaders are executed.

British corralled at Cowpens American General Daniel Morgan encircles and defeats the British for a crushing victory at Cowpens, South Carolina.

Mutiny Two incidents of mutiny threaten the Continental Army. The first, among Pennsylvania troops demanding back pay and the honoring of terms of enlistment, is settled by negotiation. The second is put down by force, and two of the leaders are executed.

Yorktown Tradition says that the British Regulars march in formation to the tune “The World Turned Upside Down” while Cornwallis surrenders at Yorktown. Any hopes for an English victory are ended.

Peace of Paris The United States and Great Britain sign the Treaty of Paris, bringing an end to the Revolutionary War. Congress will ratify the treaty on January 14, 1784.