Ideas Help Start a Revolution Coach Martin

Big Idea Tensions increase throughout the colonies until the Continental Congress declares independence on July 4, 1776.

The Colonies Hover Between Peace and War The Second Continental Congress meets May of 1775 What was the purpose of the meeting? Debate declaring independence 3 Key Decisions Made at the Meeting 1) Recognized the militia as the Continental Army 2) Appointed George Washington as commander 3) Printed money to pay troops

Colonist Hover Between Peace and War Battle of Bunker Hill June 1775, British troops attack the militia north of Boston Militia Advantage: 1) Militia holds the high ground 2) British Wool Uniforms British defeats militia with heavy losses 450 colonists casualties vs. 1,000 British casualties Olive Branch Petition July; Colonists send asks to restore the peace King George refuses and blockades American coastline

The Patriots Declare Independence Common Sense Thomas Paine’s pamphlet attacks king Argues independence will allow free trade and foreign aid Independence can give equal social, economic opportunities to all Almost 500,000 copies of pamphlet sold; convinces many colonists

Declaring Independence Congress urges each colony to form own government Congress appoints committee to prepare formal declaration Who will write this document? Virginia lawyer Thomas Jefferson chosen to write it Declaration of Independence—formal statement of separation

The Declaration of Independence The Declaration Based on John Locke’s Ideas: 1) Pursuit of life, liberty, and property 2) People consent to obey a government that protects rights 3) People can resist or overthrow government 4) All Men Created Equal July 4, 1776 delegates adopt declaration

America Divided Oppose Independence Loyalists Patriots Oppose Independence Support British for various reasons Government Job Trust British to protect their rights Unaware of the events Support Independence Almost ½ of population Believe independence offers economic equality

Taking Sides Groups that were divided: 1) Quakers 2) African Americans Who will Native Americans support? Support British because they fear colonists taking their land