Fundamental Concepts: Chapter 6: The Declaration of Independence

Decision for Independence The Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) demonstrated that Americans were willing to stand up to a pitched battle The Lexington & Concord skirmish was the 1st of a series of conflicts from 1775 to 1776 before the American call for independence: Fighting erupted around Boston, NY, Charlestown, & Quebec The 2nd Continental Congress met to organize a war plan King George declared the colonists in “open rebellion” Despite growing calls for independence, the congress issued the Olive Branch Petition to King George in July 1775 In early 1776, both Spain & France began shipping war supplies to colonists King George rejected the Olive Branch Petition in August 1775 20

Battle of Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill: “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” With over 1,000 casualties, the British suffered their greatest losses of the Revolution at Bunker Hill

The Decision for Independence The colonists were divided about this decision for independence: Supporters of independence were called “Patriots” or “Whigs” Colonists that opposed independence were called “Loyalists” or “Tories” There were many “neutral” colonists who were unsure about the possibility of independence

Decision for Independence By 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress served as an informal national gov’t for the colonies But the majority of colonists were undecided about independence Thomas Paine’s Common Sense proved to be the key factor in convincing Americans to support colonial independence Persuaded ordinary people to sever ties with England & its “royal brute” 20

Possible Answers

Decision for Independence On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence On July 4, the Declaration of Independence was signed; The Declaration’s purpose was to: Justify the Americans’ desire to separate from England Spell-out the principles on which the new nation would be established Natural rights & individual liberty Democratic ideals (republicanism)

Chapter 6: Declaration of Independence: Essential Question What principles of government are expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

* You must know all 4 of these principles.

Decision for Independence: Various Parts

Chapter 6 Workbook Answer Key: