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colonial militia and the Redcoats. Colonial leaders learned that British generals had planned to occupy Bunker Hill across the Charlestown Peninsula from Boston. Twelve hundred colonial troops were sent to occupy and fortify Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill. After three assaults, the British succeeded and the Americans withdrew. Bunker Hill was in British hands, but they suffered a lost of 226 killed and 800 wounded, plus a large number of officers were killed. The Americans had 140 killed and 301 wounded.
July 3
American Action: George Washington took command of the Continental Army that was stationed at Cambridge, Massachusetts. The army consisted of an estimated 17,000 men.
July 5
American Action: The Continental Congress adopted the Olive Branch Petition that expressed hope for a reconciliation with Britain. It appealed directly to King George III for help.
July 6
American Action: The Continental Congress issued the Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms that outlined the colonists’ reasons for fighting the British.
August 23
British Action: King George III refused to accept the Olive Branch Petition. Instead, he issued a proclamation that declared the American colonies to be in a state of open rebellion.
November 28
American Action: Congress established the American Navy. The next day, Congress appointed a secret committee to seek help from European nations.
December 23
British Action: King George III issued a royal proclamation that closed the American colonies to all commerce and trade.
1776
January 5
American Action: The New Hampshire Assembly adopted the first American state constitution.
January 9
American Action: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was published in Philadelphia. The 50-page pamphlet was critical of King George III’s rule of the American colonies and provided strong arguments for American independence.
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