The Battles of: Lexington and Concord Bunker Hill

Minutemen Beginning of military preparations Minutemen = colonial civilian soldiers Stockpiled firearms and gunpowder outside Boston

The British are Coming! Midnight riders (organized by Paul Revere) sent to warn Adams and Hancock that the British are coming! British reach Lexington and open fire on retreating Minutemen (“Shot heard ‘round the world”) British march on to Concord (where they found empty arsenal) Minutemen open fire on Redcoats

Second Continental Congress Debates colonies next move George Washington appointed commander of Continental Army Congress authorized printing of paper money to pay the troops Congress organized committee to deal with foreign nations

The Battle of Bunker Hill Gen. Gage decides to strike Continental army on Breed’s Hill (north of Bunker Hill) Colonists hold fire until they can “see the white of their eyes” Colonists shoot advancing redcoats Colonists lost 450 men British lost 1,000 men Deadliest battle of the war Misnamed battle!

Olive Branch Petition July 8, 1775 Congress sends King George III “Olive Branch Petition” –Urging a return to “the former harmony” between Britain and the colonies King George rejects petition, issues proclamation stating the colonies were in rebellion and urges Parliament to order a naval blockade of American coast