Declaring Independence Aim: How did the colonists begin to fight for independence? Do Now: Take out worksheet answers in notebook – Olive Branch and Common Sense worksheets

Patrick Henry – “Give me Liberty or Give me Death!” There is no retreat but in submission and slavery! Our chains are forged! Their clanking may be heard on the plains of Boston! The war is inevitable and let it come! I repeat it, sir, let it come. It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next ship that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!” –Patrick Henry

Fort Ticonderoga Attack on Fort Ticonderoga – 1775 Ethan Allen and Green Mountain Boys Capture fort and artillery – cannon and large guns

Second Continental Congress Second Continental Congress – May 1775 Continental Army formed George Washington as commander Congress will start to act as a government Creates currency (money system) Creates army MEETS IN PHILADELPHIA

Battle of Bunker Hill Breed’s Hill seized by colonists British attack “don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” GB capture hill on second try Militia held its own against redcoats STOOD UP TO STRONGEST ARMY IN THE WORLD

Siege of Boston – Apr 1775-March 1776 Redcoats surrounded in Boston and cut off from supplies (siege) Standoff for months Colonists threaten to use cannons from Fort Ticonderoga on city British retreat

Declaring Independence Aim: What is the importance of the Declaration of Independence? Do Now: Why was the Second Continental Congress important?

Olive Branch Petition SUMMER 1775 Asked king to restore harmony between Britain and the colonies Last hope of peace King refuses SUMMER 1775

Common Sense Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine Americans need to break with GB Helped initiate independence

Declaration of Independence Second Continental Congress Written by Thomas Jefferson From Virginia and excellent writer Adopted on July 4, 1776 Inspired by John Locke

Declaration of Independence Declared human’s natural rights (not just Americans) Government is created to protect those rights If government fails to protect rights, people can rise up and form new government (not really all mankind, no African Americans and women)

Declaring Independence Homework – Paragraph – What is the importance of the Declaration of Independence? Include details from the Declaration.