After the First Continental Congress, the colonists began military preparations. They began stockpiling firearms and gunpowder. General Thomas Gage quickly learned of the stockpile and in the spring of 1775, ordered troops to march from Boston to Concord, Massachusetts and seize the weapons. On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere, William Dawes, and Samuel Prescott rode out to spread word that the British were marching on Concord.
The British troops made it to within a few miles short of Concord at Lexington on April 19 before being confronted with militiamen. The first battle of the war, the Battle of Lexington lasted 15 minutes, and 8 colonial soldiers (minutemen) were killed and ten more wounded but only one British soldier was injured. The British continued their march to Concord, where they found an empty arsenal. As they lined up to leave, they were fired upon by between 3,000 to 4,000 minutemen. The British soldiers were forced to retreat back to Boston, where they were held under siege by the colonists.
In May of 1775, colonial leaders called the Second Continental Congress and debated their next move - should they move for independence? Or should they attempt reconciliation? Despite the debate, they did recognize the colonial militia as the Continental Army and George Washington as its commander. Under siege by the militia, British general Thomas Gage set 2400 soldiers to attack militiamen on Breed's Hill, north of the city and near Bunker Hill and lost 1000 men in the battle, while the colonists only lost 450. The "Battle of Bunker Hill" would be the deadliest battle of the war.
The Second Continental Congress readied the colonists for war, but also attempted to make peace and sent the “Olive Branch Petition”. King George rejected the petition, announced the colonies were rebellion, blockaded the colonies off the coast, and raised taxes. This angered the colonists, and many of them began to resist in earnest. They were going to war.
--Sheng-Han
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Nice post! It is very well written and thorough! I think in the first line, I wish you had said "The First Continental Congress" instead of leaving the word "Congress" out, to set the context better. Also, it would have been nice if you explained "The Olive Branch Petition". Good job!
ReplyDeleteThis was a great summary. I like how you kept the writing "reader friendly", seeing as how you had a lot to write about. A well written overview of the entire Revolutionary War. Great job.
ReplyDeleteVery very informative summary. It was very lengthy but it contained the necessary facts that are important to know. I liked the spacing between different dates, and events. I thought it really helped the reader.
ReplyDeletegreat summery. Well organized, and writen. I wouldn't change anything.
ReplyDeleteThis summary was very informative and interesting to read. I like how you wrote it in away that almost sounded like a narration; it made it easier to read.
ReplyDeleteAccurate dates, well organized events and brief summary really helped me understand the revolution. Good job!
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