Topic: Declaring Independence Essential Question: What people and events contributed to the Second Continental Congress declaring independence?

Second Continental Congress Meeting of delegates from all 13 colonies in Philadelphia that began in May 1775 Independence Hall

Second Continental Congress Meeting of delegates from all 13 colonies in Philadelphia that began in May 1775 Important delegates: John Hancock of Massachusetts Wealthy merchant

John Hancock of Massachusetts Wealthy merchant President of the Second Continental Congress First and largest signature on the Declaration of Independence

President of the Second Continental Congress First and largest signature on the Declaration of Independence John Adams of Massachusetts Made influential speeches Helped convince delegates to declare independence “Voice of the Revolution”

Helped convince delegates to declare independence “Voice of the Revolution” Wife = Abigail Their letters provide detailed descriptions of events of the Revolution 512 pages

Wife = Abigail Their letters provide detailed descriptions of events of the Revolution Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania Renaissance Man Person who excels in many areas

Renaissance Man Person who excels in many areas Diplomat Tried to negotiate a peaceful solution between Britain and the colonies Became a strong supporter of the Patriot cause

10-2-2 #1 Discuss Which of the four do you admire most? Explain why. Tried to negotiate a peaceful solution between Britain and the colonies Became a strong supporter of the Patriot cause 10-2-2 #1 Discuss John Hancock John Adams Abigail Adams Benjamin Franklin Which of the four do you admire most? Explain why.

Tried to negotiate a peaceful solution between Britain and the colonies Became a strong supporter of the Patriot cause Patrick Henry of Virginia Early supporter of independence Famous quotations: “I am not a Virginian, but an American.”

Famous quotations: “I am not a Virginian, but an American.” “Give me liberty or give me death!”

“I am not a Virginian, but an American.” “Give me liberty or give me death!” Thomas Jefferson of Virginia 2nd youngest delegate Renaissance Man “Pen of the Revolution”

Renaissance Man “Pen of the Revolution” George Washington of Virginia Wealthy plantation owner Military experience from the French and Indian War

Wealthy plantation owner Military experience from the French and Indian War 10-2-2 #2 Discuss Patrick Henry Thomas Jefferson George Washington Which of Patrick Henry’s quotations do you like best? Explain why.

Wealthy plantation owner Military experience from the French and Indian War  Bunker Hill (June 1775) Hill that overlooks Boston Harbor Defended by Minutemen who were low on ammunition

Hill that overlooks Boston Harbor Defended by Minutemen who were low on ammunition Famous quotation by Colonel William Prescott: “Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

Famous quotation by Colonel William Prescott: “Do not fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” British military victory Minutemen had to withdraw when they ran out of ammunition

British military victory Minutemen had to withdraw when they ran out of ammunition British suffered high casualties Over 1000 = 1/3 of their forces in Boston Proved that the colonists could fight Death of General Warren

Over 1000 = 1/3 of their forces in Boston Proved that the colonists could fight Continental Army Name of the American army during the Revolutionary War Continental Congress chose George Washington as commander (June 1775)

Name of the American army during the Revolutionary War Continental Congress chose George Washington as commander (June 1775) 10-2-2 #3 Discuss Bunker Hill Continental Army Write a sentence explaining which side you think “won” the Battle of Bunker Hill.