Liberty's Kids

Colonists in Boston rebel against ""taxation without representation"" by throwing a fortune in tea into the harbor (12/16/73). Moses, James and Henri travel to Boston in search of Sarah, who has arrived from England on a tea-laden ship.

In response to the Boston Tea Party, the British Parliament passes the ""Intolerable Acts,"" including ""quartering."" Boston becomes an occupied city (3/74-6/74). In England, Ben Franklin faces charges of treason (1/74).

At the First Continental Congress, representatives of each colony meet as a group for the first time. Sam and John Adams argue that the Intolerable Acts are not just a New England problem, they are an ""American problem.""

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. Minutemen -- citizens taking up arms -- fight the powerful, experienced Red Coats.

Trouble erupts in the New Hampshire Grants when settlers are forced from their homes (1770-1775). Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold reluctantly join forces to capture Fort Ticonderoga in New York.

The colonies decide they need a national army. John Adams nominates George Washington -- over other candidates who include the President of Congress, John Hancock to lead the new force.

The first major battle of the war. The Americans, with little ammunition, ""don't shoot until they see the whites of their eyes."" The battle results in a victory for the Crown, but at such a high cost to the British.

George Washington arrives in Boston to take command of the army (7/3/75). He has no idea if the New Englanders will follow a Virginian, but he is a born leader and quickly takes charge of the defense of Boston.

Ben Franklin is named the first Postmaster General of the colonies (7/26/75). When Patriot mail falls into the hands of the British, James and Sarah agree to carry important letters safely to New York.

Thomas Paine publishes his famous pamphlet. It is an instant best seller, read by everyone from General George Washington to the lowest private in the army.

The first attempt to sink a ship with a submarine fails (9/6/76). Still, the blockade of New York is weakened by another example of Yankee ingenuity. The Kids meet David Bushnell, the father of the submarine.

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. They ask Thomas Jefferson to write the first draft of a ‚ Declaration of Independence.

At the Battle of Long Island, Washington fights the British in open field battles -- with catastrophic results (8/27-29/76). His troops in disarray and his spirit nearly broken, the Commander vows to avoid open field battles.

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). Nathan Hale is caught spying and hanged (9/22/76).

Ben Franklin, appointed to a commission to negotiate a treaty with the French, sails for France aboard the Reprisal (10/24/76). Fort Washington surrenders, a catastrophe for the American cause (11/12/76).

The low point of the war for the Americans. Washington‚ is adjutant, General Joseph Reed, questions the Commander's ability to lead. General Lee ignores Washington's orders and is eventually captured by the British (12/13/76).

Washington re-crosses the Delaware River on Christmas Day. His troops defeat the sleeping Hessians at Trenton (12/26/76). Washington lights campfires to make it look like his men are bunking down for the night, then marches to Princeton.

Ben Franklin sets up residence in Paris and begins his uphill battle to enlist France in the American cause (12/28/76). Franklin's hopes are bolstered when news of the victories at Trenton and Princeton reach France.

Sixteen-year-old Sybil Ludington makes her own ‚midnight ride‚ in Westchester County, New York (4/26/77). Benedict Arnold fights for respect‚Äù from Congress. James learns that all kinds of people can be heroes.

The 19-year-old Marquis de Lafayette arrives after an eventful journey from France and offers his services to Congress (7/27/77). He is sent to George Washington, who virtually adopts him as his son.

General Horatio Gates defeats Burgoyne at the Battle of Saratoga (10/17/77). Benedict Arnold is the true hero of the battle but is angered when he fails to receive proper recognition. James witnesses the victory at Saratoga.

James, Sarah and Henri are there as George Washington and his Continental Army endure a horrible winter at Valley Forge. Baron von Stueben drafts a training program for the army and helps Washington's troops.

News of the American victory at Saratoga helps pave the way for Ben Franklin to negotiate a treaty with France. The treaty obligates the French to help fight the Revolutionary War (2/6/78).