The American Emperor

[Archangel_Mikey]

1775
-The Continental Congress considers a leader for the United Colonies Continental Army.  There are two choices: a Virginian-born militia colonel named George Washington and a British-born general named Charles Lee.  Lee was more experienced, but had several problems such as he was British-born, had vulgar language, eccentric, and expected to be paid, while Washington didn’t.  Congress proposed to place Washington in charge, but Washington refused.  Congress instead went with Lee.

Lee was voted by the Continental Congress to be the Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army with five delegates voting against him.  Lee, in his acceptance speech said that he wanted to be reimbursed for his expenses and his property that he would lose in Britain, but he would accept the payments at a later date.  Lee is given the title Lieutenant General, and four Major Generals (Artemas Ward, George Washington, Philip Schuyler, and Israel Putnam) were appointed by Congress.

Lee arrives at Cambridge, New Jersey two days later to organize and inspect the 16,000-strong Continental Army.

-At one of the first major engagements of the war, British forces capture Bunker Hill outside of Boston at the Battle of Bunker Hill.

-The Continental Congress sends the Olive Branch Petition to King George of Britain.  George refused and declares the 13 American Colonies in open rebellion against Britain.  In response, the Continental Congress issues the Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, which says: “"Our cause is just. Our union is perfect... being with one mind resolved to die freemen rather than to live slaves...".

-The Continental Congress forms the Continental Navy and the Continental Marines to protect naval vessels from enemy boarders.

-Colonel Ethan Allen captures Montreal from the British.  A joint expedition of Benedict Arnold and Richard Montgomery fails to capture Québec, but they begin a long siege that will last all winter.