The Road to Independence The Story of the Declaration of Indepenence

First Continental Congress The first Continental Congress met in Carpenter's Hall in Philadelphia, from September 5, to October 26, 1774. Elected delegates from all colonies, with the exception of Georgia, were present. The meeting was established a united front against British policies. Not all agreed how to best to deal with Britain. Some wanted to regain their rights as British subjects, (loyalist) others were more radical and were seeking independence (patriots). A list of grievance were sent to the King, and continuation of the boycotts of British goods was decided.

Battle of Lexington and Concord In April 19, 1775, British soldiers were sent to capture Patriot leaders, Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and destroy their supplies of weapons. Patriot forces were warned about the arriving forces by Paul Revere and William Dawes. The Patriots were able to overwhelm and turn back the British troops. This was the first battle of the American Revolution.

Second Continental Congress Delegates to the 2nd Continental Congress met in May of 1775. They stayed in session through the summer of 1776. In this meeting the delegates met to discuss how to deal with the military threat of the British army. This is what was decided: George Washington was selected to lead the Continental Army. The Olive Branch petition was sent to King George III. These thing also happened in the Second Continental Congress The Declaration of Independence was drafted and signed during this congress. The Articles of Confederation were drafted and adopted.

Thomas Paine and Common Sense We want Independence! It is ridiculous to be governed tiny, far away island. We get nothing from being apart of Britain. We Don’t Want Independence! We want our RIGHTS Back! Patriot Loyalist

Declaring Independence The Issue of Declaring Independence was not an easy decision for the colonies because many delegates to the 2nd Continental Congress were opposed to the idea. John Adams, from Massachusetts, and Richard Henry Lee, from Virginia led the push to declare independence from Great Britain. Even though Thomas Jefferson is known as the author of the document, it would have never come to be if not for John Adams and Richard Henry Lee. The Declaration was adopted and signed on July 4th , 1776.