Timeline of the
American Revolution
By the time of the Regency, America was an independent nation. But the break with Britain took place just a few years earlier and relations between the two nations were still settling down.
Britain’s other conflict with America, the War of 1812, took place during the core years of the Regency.
To help us learn about the American Revolution, we’re building a timeline of events as they reach their 250th anniversaries. Which is why this timeline does not extend for the full period of the war.
July 1774
George Washington and George Mason wrote the Fairfax Resolves, a series of statements that capture the frustrations and desires of the American colonists.
October 1774
Americans in Annapolis burn the sailing ship Peggy Sue and its cargo of tea, in what’s become known as the Annapolis Tea Party.
26 October 1774: Conclusion of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. The Congress issued the Declaration and Resolves, stating basic rights for the people of America. It also agreed the colonies would work together in the Continental Association, and would not import British products or slaves.
April 1775
19 April: Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Following the engagements, the British retreated to Boston. American militia cut off the only land route from Boston, initiating a siege that would last for 11 months.
May 1775
During May 1775 the British Army in America, under General Thomas Gage, was effectively under siege in Boston. During May there were a number of skirmishes between the British and American forces.
9 May 1775,: Published in England by the The Chester Chronicle,:
By the most authentic letters and narratives from America, we are told, that the colonies are preparing to resist by force. What shall we get if the King’s army conquer? Absolutely nothing. What shall we lose if the royal army is beaten? Everything! What a wretched politician must he be who puts every thing to the hazard where nothing can be gained?
June 1775
George Washington appointed as commander-in-chief of American forces
17 June 1775: The Battle of Bunker Hill.
Having been besieged in Boston for two months, the British chose to attack the American forces controlling nearby hills. The attack succeeded, but in the British ranks, over 1,000 men were killed or injured.
George Washington wasn’t present, as he was travelling to join the army. While it seemed the American colonists had lost the battle, they’d shown they could inflict significant casualties on the British.
Despite its victory at Bunker Hill, the British army remains trapped in Boston. The losses incurred in the recent battle deterred them from attempting another attack on the Americans.
July 1775
George Washington arrives to take command of the newly formed Continental Army near Boston.
8 July: Olive Branch Petition, the final attempt at peaceful resolution, was signed by the Second Continental Congress.
In the summer of 1775, some colonists in the Second Continental Congress still hoped to make peace with Britain. In July they wrote what’s known as the Olive Branch Petition, which sought to resolve the trade and tax issues and avoid independence.
The petition arrived in Britain in August 1775. By this time influential figures on both sides had adopted more entrenched positions in favour of war.
11 July 1775, The Canterbury Journal reported, among its America stories:
The transported felons on board a late ship sent to America have been refused admittance, and are on their return back again.
This was just three years before the First Fleet, which initiated the transportation of convicts to Australia.
August 1775
23 August 1775: George III issues the Proclamation of Rebellion against the American colonies.
September 1775
11 September 1775: Benedict Arnold takes 1,100 men from the siege of Boston to march on Quebec.
October 1775
13 October 1775: Formation of the Continental Navy. It began with the instruction to supply an armed schooner and sloop to George Washington.
The Continental Navy was to be, like the Continental Army, a unified force representing all the American colonies. The Americans had a long coastline to protect from the British.
30 October 1775: American troops under Benedict Arnold make contact with the population of Quebec, which he is attempting to capture.
Of the 1,100 troops who set out from Boston weeks earlier, about 600 remained under Arnold’s command. Many of those in Quebec were sympathetic to the American cause, but this would not help them secure the city.
November 1775
19 November 1775: Major Andrew Williamson leads an American force into Ninety Six, South Carolina. They were soon surrounded by forces loyal to Britain.
December 1775
Throughout this month Henry Knox leads mission to drag cannon cross-country on huge sleds. They are being moved from the Lake Champlain are to the siege of Boston, where the Americans will put them to use. The distance was about 300 miles and the journey took 10 weeks
This event is now referred to a the ‘Noble Train of Artillery’ and the route taken is the Henry Knox Cannon Trail.
9 December 1776: Battle of Great Bridge, near Norfolk, Virginia.
In an attempt to disrupt American troops, the British launched an attack at Great Bridge. It was a short, sharp exchange that saw the British quickly beaten back. There were perhaps 100 killed or wounded, all British (with the exception of a single American with a hand injury).
January 1776
Thomas Paine published Common Sense. This set out strong, clear arguments for independence. It was hugely popular and massively influential.
1 January 1776: The British burn Norfolk, Virginia
5 January 1776: New Hampshire adopts the first state Constitution.
In the Constitution, the Congress of New Hampshire complains that the ‘sudden and abrupt’ departure of their Governor means there is no government and no courts. ‘Therefore, for the preservation of peace and good order,’ they establish a form of government that will continue ‘during the present unhappy and unnatural contest with Great Britain.’
This was not a bid for independence. The document states that New Hampshire is happy to remain under British protection, if reconciliation can be achieved.
27 January 1776: Henry Knox and his cannon arrive at Cambridge, near Boston.
March 1776
On 5 March 1776 American troops began installing the guns at Dorchester Heights, threatening the British in Boston and the fleet in the harbour.
British guns could not reach the new American positions. A plan to attack by land was shelved and General Howe, leader of the British forces, decided to evacuate the town.
On 17 March the British abandoned Boston. A fleet of 120 ships carried over 10,000 people (mostly soldiers) away from the besieged city. Over the next few days American soldiers cautiously entered the town.
The American colonists appointed Silas Deane as a secret envoy to France. His mission was to raise funds to buy supplies for the American forces.
April 1776
The Continental Congress opened American ports to trade with all nations except Britain.
Why is this timeline incomplete?
We are updating this timeline in line with 250th anniversaries of events. You can see the updates as they are released, and more stories about the Regency era, in our newsletter.