American Revolution Timeline

The Stamp Act

The first direct tax on the colonies — and the birth of "no taxation without representation."

The Boston Massacre

British soldiers fire into a crowd; John Adams defends them in court anyway.

The Boston Tea Party

Colonists dump 342 chests of tea into the harbor over unjust taxes.

The First Continental Congress

Twelve colonies act together against the Crown for the first time.

Paul Revere's Ride

"The regulars are coming out!" — the alarm that armed the militia.

Lexington and Concord

The shot heard round the world. The Revolution begins.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

"Don't fire until you see the whites of their eyes." A costly British win.

Washington Takes Command

A ragtag militia becomes the Continental Army.

Common Sense

Thomas Paine's pamphlet turns rebellion into a movement for independence.

The British Evacuate Boston

Washington's first great victory — bloodless and brilliant.

The Motion for Independence

Richard Henry Lee's resolution sets independence formally in motion.

The Declaration of Independence

The colonies declare themselves free and independent states.

The Battle of Brooklyn

A crushing defeat — and a daring nighttime escape that saves the army.

Washington Crosses the Delaware

A desperate Christmas-night gamble to revive a collapsing cause.

The Battle of Trenton

A stunning dawn victory that saves the Revolution.

The Victory at Saratoga

The turning point — and the win that brings France into the war.

Valley Forge

The brutal winter that forged a real army out of survivors.

The Surrender at Yorktown

Cornwallis surrenders. The war is effectively won.

The Treaty of Paris

Britain formally recognizes American independence.

The British Evacuate New York

The last redcoats sail out. The country is on its own.

Washington Resigns His Commission

He gives up power and goes home — stunning the world.