The War Begins

The 2nd Continental Congress met May 10, 1775 in Philadelphia. They made the decision to form a continental army. John Adams came up with the idea and George Washington was chosen to lead it.

On June 17, 1775, early in the Revolutionary War (1775-83), the British defeated the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts. Despite their loss, the inexperienced colonial forces inflicted significant casualties against the enemy, and the battle provided them with an important confidence boost. Although commonly referred to as the Battle of Bunker Hill, most of the fighting occurred on nearby Breed’s Hill.