The separation from Great Britain – Our first government

The First Continental Congress September, 1774 Philadelphia Representatives from the colonies meet They discuss the problems with Great Britain

The First Continental Congress They wrote a Declaration of Rights Colonies have the right to self-government Right to decide their own taxes Right to manage their own affairs (situations) They said Parliament had no right to pass laws on the colonies that were about taxes

The First Continental Congress They wrote a petition to King George III Asked to stop all Parliaments mistakes If Parliament did not stop the taxes, the colonies would not buy or sell British goods

Great Britain’s response Parliament and King George III did not change anything Great Britain sent more troops (army) to the colonies Colonists – not happy

The Second Continental Congress May 1775 Philadelphia All 13 colonies knew war was coming Decided to make an army for the colonies Picked George Washington to lead the army

The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 Thomas Jefferson wrote The Declaration of Independence Declared the colonies free and separate from Great Britain The Second Continental Congress became the first government of the United States of America

Britain’s Response… Said the Congress was an “unlawful assembly” Called the group a “den of traitors”

What did the colonists do? They kept the Continental Congress Each state had one vote Congress made the laws for the new nation Made sure the laws were followed No one leader Led the war for 5 years Made the army Made money Made contracts with other countries