Preparing for War Delegates not sure what to do Dreaded the idea of separating from Great Britain and their king Also couldn’t ignore the fact that fighting had begun between Britain and the colonies Delegates wrote a petition (a formal written request signed by several people) to King George III. Petition did not mention independence Reminded him of their loyalty Requested him to make his government change their bad policies and restore their rights May 10, 1775 Second Continental Congress Difference from the first Continental Congress? Since then, there had been fighting and men killed.

A New Army Second Continental Congress took other steps: Prepared for more fighting John Adams took the lead: Local militias in each colony were fine for fighting here and there, but we need an “Army of the United Colonies” Massachusetts militia were camped outside Boston near British troops Adams decided those militiamen would be the first soldiers of the new army But who would lead the new army?

The New Leader Adams declared how fortunate Congress was to have the right man for the job! The man had great talents, excellent character, and was an experienced military leader from Virginia All eyes turned to the tall man in a military uniform, standing in the back of the room… When he felt the gaze of the group, the man quickly turned and left the room – He wanted the delegates to be free to discuss him without his presence But who was he…?

George Washington Perfect man to lead the Continental army Had gained experience in French and Indian war Member of Virginia House of Burgesses Supporter of the Patriot cause Among the best known, most well respected men in the colonies Admired for his devotion to duty, his slow temper, and strong will The decision was easy- Washington would command the army! – He would leave for Massachusetts to take charge of the militiamen camped around Boston – They might be needed soon…

Important Battle Before Washington arrived in Massachusetts to take command, an important battle took place on the hills near Boston Two hills near Boston: Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill It’s an advantage for an army to have control of a hill When on top of a hill, it’s easy to fire at enemies down below, especially with cannons Enemy has to fight their way uphill- difficult and exhausting! British were not worried about untrained militiamen, so they were not guarding the hills or claiming the hilltops for themselves Night of June 16, 1775 Militia climbed Breed’s Spent the night digging trenches and piling the earth into six foot high walls for protection General Gage got worried that the militia would fire upon his troops down below! Decided he must force the militia off the hill so they couldn’t use their cannons on his troops Little did General Gage know… the militia didn’t even have cannons!

Breed’s Hill British troops marched up Breed’s Hill Colonists had very little ammunition and couldn’t afford to waste any Colonel William Prescott gave an order: “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes!” When the British got close, the militiamen opened fire Hundreds of redcoats fell, and the rest retreated Shortly after, the redcoats tried again Militiamen fired again… Redcoats retreated again Militiamen were now running low on ammunition! Redcoats marched up the hill a third time, and the militiamen had to retreat The British won Breed’s Hill from the Americans, but at a terrible cost: 1,000 soldiers (half their men!) were killed or wounded British officer stated that his army couldn’t stand any more “victories” like this!

Breed’s Hill/Bunker Hill This battle is called the Battle of Bunker Hill, but it really took place on Breed's Hill Colonists lost the hill, but gained new, strong confidence Began to truly believe the militia could hold their own against one of the strongest armies in the world- the British

The King Answers! King George III’s response to their petition: Loyal to the King? Hah! Yeah, right! Colonists were viewed as nothing but traitors Give back their rights? They have no rights, except those I tell them they have! Withdraw my troops? I will send 20,000 more soldiers! I will crush the colonists!

Review What three actions did the Second Continental Congress make? 1.They wrote a petition to King George III 2.Created a national army 3.Appointed George Washington as commander of the army Why did the delegates choose George Washington? He was very well-known and well-respected He had gained military experience during the French and Indian War He was a great patriot and strong supporter of the colonies What was the outcome of the Battle of Bunker Hill? British eventually gained control of the hill, but they lost many troops Colonists eventually lost the hill, but they gained confidence and believed that they could hold their own against the British army