Finally Ready for Independence

Putting together a real army During the summer of 1775, George Washington was nominated as head of the continental army In July of 1775 they try one last time for peace with England Olive Branch Petition is not even read by King George

No more hesitation In January of 1776, Thomas Paine publishes a pamphlet called Common Sense He argued that the colonists had no loyalty to an unjust leader It was the perfect pamphlet for the people

The Declaration of Independence The Second Continental Congress appoints a committee to begin work on a declaration of independence Thomas Jefferson, age 33, writes it in two weeks He took inspiration from philosopher John Locke, Patrick Henry, and Thomas Paine

Signing the Declaration After three hot summer days of debate, the declaration is signed John Hancock signed first and largely so “the king doesn’t have to put on his glasses” The Declaration listed rights that all men should have along with grievances (complaints) directed at the king

Changing History No other colony had ever before declared independence from its ruling country before On July 4 the document was approved and on July 8 it was presented before a crowd Philadelphia Both sides were certain that the war would end quickly

A “quick” eight year war The colonists had no standing army; the army they had assembled only signed on for 6 months England had the most powerful navy in the world Their soldiers among the best in the world AND they hired German soldiers to fight for them as well

England Disadvantages The people in England were now facing taxes to fight their colonies The colonists have home field advantage Fighting a war across the ocean was expensive

American Strengths and Weaknesses The colonists had no army or navy However, they were defending their homeland which is different than fighting a war abroad They knew the land and knew how to plan their attacks