The First Continental Congress failed in its attempts to peacefully force Britain to repeal the Coercive Acts. When more British troops are sent to Boston, Massachusetts to restore order, New England prepares for war. The Revolutionary War begins on April 19, 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord. The Second Continental Congress determines the formation of a national army was vital. By selecting a Virginian- George Washington as the first Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, it convinced more support from the southern colonies to unite with New England. The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776.
Hope for the Patriot cause seemed lost after a string of defeats in New York in the fall of 1776, but a daring gamble by General Washington during Christmastime of that year helped restore morale for the Continental Army.
