“Rage Militare”
On the eve of the Revolution the patriots succeeded in organizing a home defense; militias stood mobilized and ready. Fighting broke out at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19. At the Battle of Bunker Hill in June, the patriots lost, but learned that they could stand against British regulars. Soon after, George Washington assumed command of the newly created Continental Army.
April 19
Battles of Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, occur. A rallying militia drives British back in retreat to Boston.
May 10
Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Fort Ticonderoga, New York, captured by Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold.
June 14
Congress establishes Continental Army.
June 15
Congress appoints George Washington as commander-in-chief.
June 17
At the Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill), Massachusetts, the British seize their objective, but suffer severe casualties.
July 3
George Washington assumes command of the Continental Army in Massachusetts.
July 5
Continental Congress adopts Olive Branch Petition in effort to reconcile differences with Britain.
August 28
Hoping to gain a fourteenth colony to aid in fight against Britain, patriots begin a campaign to capture Quebec, Canada.
October 13
Congress authorizes Continental Navy.
November
Lord Dunmore, Royal Governor of Virginia, offers freedom to slaves who join Crown forces.
King George III rejects Olive Branch Petition.
November 10
Congress establishes Continental Marines.
November 14
General Richard Montgomery’s forces occupy Montreal.
December 9
Patriots defeat British at Great Bridge, Virginia.
December 30
George Washington orders recruiting officers to allow free blacks to join the Continental Army.
