Becoming a Nation: The United States of America

Paul Revere’s Ride: April 18, 1775

Battle of Bunker Hill June 17, 1775 The first major fight between British and American troops occurs at Boston in the Battle of Bunker Hill.

“Common Sense”, January 9, 1776 Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" is published in Philadelphia. The 50 page pamphlet is highly critical of King George III and attacks allegiance to Monarchy in principle while providing strong arguments for American independence."Common Sense" It becomes an instant best-seller in America. "We have it in our power to begin the world anew...American shall make a stand, not for herself alone, but for the world," Paine states.

Declaration of Independence: July 4, 1776

“We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, That to Secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed” July 4, 1776 Preamble to the Declaration of Independence Then: Now:

Battle of Long Island August 27-29, 1776 Gen. Howe leads 15,000 soldiers against Washington's army in the Battle of Long Island

Washington Crossing the Delaware Dec. 26, 1776

The Battle of Saratoga results in the first major American victory of the Revolutionary War Battle of Saratoga October 7, 1777

Articles of Confederation Articles of Confederation November 15, 1777 Congress adopts the Articles of Confederation as the government of the new United States of AmericaArticles of Confederation

Valley Forge June 19, 1778 Washington sends troops from Valley Forge to intercept Gen. Clinton

Charleston May 12, 1780 The worst American defeat of the Revolutionary War occurs as the British capture Charleston and its 5400-man garrison

YORKTOWN September 5-8, 1781 Off Yorktown, a major naval battle between the French fleet of de Grasse and the outnumbered British fleet of Adm. Thomas Graves results in a victory for de Grasse. The British fleet retreats to New York for reinforcements, leaving the French fleet in control of the Chesapeake.

The Surrender at Yorktown October 19, 1781 As their band plays the tune, "The world turned upside down," the British army marches out in formation and surrenders at Yorktown!

Original 13 Colonies that became our first 13 US States that became our first 13 US States

National Constitution Day: September 17 The United States Constitution was adopted on September 17, The United States Constitution was finally ratified on May 29, 1790 by the last state to do so, Rhode Island. We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. Amendments: There are 27 Amendments to the Constitution, the first 10 Amendments are the Bill of Rights Article I- The Legislative Branch Article V- Amending the Constitution Article III- The Judicial Branch Article II- The Executive Branch Article VII- Ratifying the Constitution Article VI- National Debts and Federal Supremacy Article IV- Interstate and Federal Relations Preamble to the US Constitution:

God Bless America!