The Quebec Act created a government for British Canada that did not include an elective assembly and jury trials were not guaranteed. The Southern boundary of Canada was defined as the Ohio River which meant that it included territory claimed by various American colonies. First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia with representatives from all of the colonies except Georgia. The Congress issues a Declaration and Resolves which oppose the Coercive Acts and other British measures and which assert the rights of colonists and colonial assemblies. 1775 Battles of Lexington and Concord erupt between Massachusetts militia and British troops when British troops march to Concord to destroy a colonial arms depot there.
Revolutionary War begins.
Second Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia and appoints George Washington as commander of the Continental Army. The Congress still rejects a declaration of independence. Paine offers a clear and persuasive argument for independence from Britain. 1776 Declaration of Independence adopted by the Second Continental Congress. 1777 Americans win important Battle of Saratoga and British General Burgoyne surrenders his force of 5700 soldiers to American General Gates.