Revolutionary War Timeline
March 31, 1774: Boston Port Act
May 20, 1774: Administration of Justice Act
May 20, 1774: Massachusetts Government Act
June 2, 1774: Quartering Act of 1774
June 22, 1774: Quebec Act
Sept. 5-Oct. 26, 1774: First Continental Congress
The Continental Congress was a governing body of delegates from each of the 13 colonies. This body coordinated the resistance against Britain in the early American Revolution. The first meeting occurred September 5th, 1774, with delegates coming from all colonies except Georgia. During the first Continental Congress, the delegates produced the Articles of Association, which stated that if the Intolerable Acts were not repealed by a certain date, the colonists would boycott British products. (Continental Congress, 1774-1781.)
Threats against the British included: “That from and after the first day of December next, we will not import, into British America, from Great-Britain or Ireland, any goods, wares, or merchandise whatsoever, or from any other place, any such goods, wares, or merchandise, as shall have been exported from Great-Britain or Ireland…,” (Randolph, 1774) which meant the colonists would stop importing their products from Britain, and “We will, in our several stations, encourage frugality, economy, and industry, and promote agriculture, arts and the manufactures of this country, especially that of wool…”, (Randolph, 1774) meaning the colonists would stimulate their own economy and make themselves a source of competition for Britain. (Randolph, 1774)
March 23, 1775: “Give me liberty or give me death” speech by Patrick Henry
April 18, 1775: Ride of Paul Revere
April 19, 1775: Battle of Lexington and Concord
The Battles of Lexington and Concord were the first fights of the Revolutionary War. On April 15th, 1775, General Thomas Gage, Military Governor of the Massachusetts Colony, received orders to destroy the military supplies of the Patriots in Concord. Inside informants in Boston allowed Paul Revere to warn Lexington to intercept the British and prevent them from reaching Concord. When British troops, consisting between 650-900 men, met the “minutemen” at the Lexington green, a shot rang out. It is unknown which side fired first. This prompted the British to start firing, killing 8 militiamen and injuring 10. (Battle of Lexington and Concord)
After the militia retreated, the British marched to Concord. When they reached Concord, the Americans were more prepared to face the troops. The first shot of the battle is referred to as “The Shot Heard Round The World,” as it officially began the Revolutionary War. American fighting techniques drove the British back, resulting in a 20% casualty rate for the British. This battle would be pivotal in causing the Siege of Boston. (Battle of Lexington and Concord)