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Tag: American Revolution

  • The First Major Battle of the American Revolution

    The First Major Battle of the American Revolution

    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    Road to Independence Dateline: 17June 1775, Boston, Massachusetts

    The British troops in Boston are surrounded by the colonial militia which would become the continental army. The British plans to break out of Boston were found out by the American leaders. The colonials pushed in towards Boston and in one night reinforced Breeds Hill. General Gage knew he must act quickly and he prepares his generals for an attack on the redoubt on Breeds Hill. The British Generals expected little resistance from the colonials, expecting them to turn and run when attacked.

    The colonists, however, proved to be more determined and better led than had been anticipated. The famed order, “Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes”, indicates the directions given by the colonial leaders to allow the British troops to get close before firing, thereby increasing the effectiveness of their fire. The colonists demonstrated great courage in allowing these trained soldiers to march up close before engaging, and by staying in the fight until the ammunition began giving out. The Americans fought hand-to-hand at the end and faced the enemy up close and personal.

    The battle was a victory for the British, in that they drove the colonists back, but the British suffered more than twice the number of losses. This David versus Goliath story emboldened the colonies in their struggle for freedom and individual rights. A couple short weeks later, George Washington assumed control of the military and began the Revolutionary War in earnest. There was no turning back at that point.

    JOIN THE FIGHT

    SUPPORT THE RESTORATION OF LIBERTY

    Link to the Story of the Battle of Bunker Hill

  • The Continental Military Gets Organized

    The Continental Military Gets Organized

    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    Road to Independence Dateline: 17 June 1775, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

    George Washington was chosen this day to lead the Continental forces against the British.

    Washington’s selection as the Commander & Chief was not a foregone conclusion and there were several others who expected to receive the appointment. However, George Washington’s nomination was unanimously approved by the Continental Congress. A sum of $500 per month was established to pay the Commander & Chief, but Washington refused pay, asking only that his expenses be reimbursed.

    Washington did not seek this position, but he was one of the few men suited for this position; both in military experience and in his place and position as a wealthy Virginia leader. His selection to lead the colonial army, let everyone know that the colonies were behind Massachusetts in its struggle with the king. His steady leadership through the war brought about the impossible victory over the world’s greatest military of the time.

    George Washington received his commission as General and Commander and Chief on June 19, 1775, and resigned it on December 23, 1783 after the war. His willingness to resign from such a powerful position has resonated with Americans for generations.

    See the words of the commission below from the American Battlefield Trust.

    The Continental Congress appoints George Washington as Commander and Chief of the Continental Army:

    Members of Congress convened: 

    The delegates of the United Colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New Castle Kent and Sussex on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina

    To George Washington Esquire

    We reposing especial trust and confidence in your patriotism, conduct and fidelity Do by these presents constitute and appoint you to be General and Commander in chief of the army of the United Colonies and of all the forces raised or to be raised by them and of all others who shall voluntarily offer their service and join the said army for the defence of American Liberty and for repelling every hostile invasion thereof And you are hereby vested with full power and authority to act as you shall think for the good and Welfare of the service.

    And we do hereby strictly charge and require all officers and soldiers under your command to be obedient to your orders & diligent in the exercise of their several duties. And we do also enjoin and require you to be careful in executing the great trust reposed in you, by causing strict discipline and order to be observed in the army and that the soldiers are duly exercised and provided with all convenient necessaries.

    And you are to regulate your conduct in every respect by the rules and discipline of war (as herewith given you) and punctually to observe and follow such orders and directions from time to time as you shall receive from this or a future Congress of the said United Colonies or a committee of Congress for that purpose appointed.

    This Commission to continue in force until revoked by this or a future Congress.

    By order of the Congress,

    John Hancock, President

    Learn more: https://www.battlefields.org/learn/primary-sources/washingtons-commission

  • First Offensive of the Revolution

    First Offensive of the Revolution

    CONSTITUTION PARTY NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

    Justin Magill

    May 10, 1775

    Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen, with about 80 men, attack Fort Ticonderoga capturing the British soldiers and the artillery housed there. The fort controls the north/south route between Albany and Montreal over lakes Champlain and George. While this victory meant control of a strong, strategic fort, the more important significance of this victory would not be recognized until nearly a year later.

    After the battles of Lexington and Concord, the militias, and later the Continental Army, surrounded Boston in an effort to contain the British military. General Washington directed General Henry Knox to retrieve the cannons from Fort Ticonderoga at whatever expense it took. Late in January, Knox returned with the cannon and plans were made to reinforce Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston.

    During the night of March 5, 1776, Dorchester Heights was fortified with prebuilt chandeliers and fascines and the cannons brought 200 miles in the dead of winter from Fort Ticonderoga. On March 6, 1776, six years after the Boston massacre, the British awakened to find the Continental Army holding a commanding position over Boston. The British were forced to abandon Boston marking a major victory on the Road to Independence.

    All because a few men succeeded in their fight for Freedom. 

    https://www.battlefields.org/learn/revolutionary-war/battles/fort-ticonderoga-1775