Liberty's Kids, The Complete Series

Colonists in Boston rebel against "taxation without representation" by throwing a fortune in tea into the harbor (12/16/73).

In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament passes the "Intolerable Acts," including "quartering."

At the First Continental Congress, representatives of each colony meet as a group for the first time.

Patrick Henry, the greatest speaker of his day, stirs the South to the cause of freedom with his famous "Give me Liberty or give me death!" speech (3/23/75).

Paul Revere and William Dawes spread the word that the "British are coming!" on the eve of "the shot heard 'round the world."

The Revolutionary War begins with the battles of Lexington and Concord.

Trouble erupts in the New Hampshire Grants when settlers are forced from their homes (1770-1775).

The colonies decide they need a national army.

The first major battle of the war.

Ben Franklin is named the first Postmaster General of the colonies (7/26/75).

George Washington arrives in Boston to take command of the army (7/3/75).

Thomas Paine publishes his famous pamphlet.

As Hessians arrive off the coast of Staten Island (7/4/76), John Adams finally convinces Congress that independence is the only answer to the colonies' problems.

At the Battle of Long Island, Washington fights the British in open field battles -- with catastrophic results (8/27-29/76).

The first attempt to sink a ship with a submarine fails (9/6/76).

A failed peace conference between the British Admiral Howe and John Adams and Ben Franklin convinces the American leaders that the British have no interest in making peace (9/11/76).

Ben Franklin, appointed to a commission to negotiate a treaty with the French, sails for France aboard the Reprisal (10/24/76).

The low point of the war for the Americans.

Washington re-crosses the Delaware River on Christmas Day.

Ben Franklin sets up residence in Paris and begins his uphill battle to enlist France in the American cause (12/28/76).

Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington makes her own "midnight ride" in Westchester County, New York (4/26/77).

The 19-year-old Marquis de Lafayette arrives after an eventful journey from France and offers his services to Congress (7/27/77).

General Horatio Gates defeats Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga (10/17/77).

James, Sarah and Henri are there as George Washington and his Continental Army endure a horrible winter at Valley Forge.

News of the American victory at Saratoga helps pave the way for Ben Franklin to negotiate a treaty with France.