CONTINENTAL CONGRESS- Representatives from all 13 colonies that become the government of America Meet in Philadelphia, May 10 1775 (month after Lexington and Concord) Create the “Continental Army” and name GEORGE WASHINGTON “commander in chief” (June 15)
Battle of Bunker Hill June 16, 1775 Bloodiest battle of war for Britain Over 1000 casualties Only 400 for Americans British/loyalists pinned down 9 months in Boston, waiting for reinforcements Washington arrives, July 1775 to start creating Continental army
OLIVE BRANCH PETITION- sent to King George III to attempt to reconcile England and the colonies Adopted July 5, 1775 August 1775 King issues Proclamation of Rebellion, declaring Congress and their supporters traitors punishable by death
COMMON SENSE- pamphlet written by Thomas Paine Huge best-seller; convinces many Americans to support independence
Cannon from Ticonderoga Ethan Allen and Green Mountain Boys Benedict Arnold- militia Capture Fort Ticonderoga without a shot May 10, 1775. Get cannon. Henry Knox- pulls it by oxen across Appalachians Arrives Boston, January 1776
Knox’s six month journey to Boston with cannon
Evacuation of Boston Cannon brought up to Dorchester Heights in South Boston British evacuate, March 1776 8 year occupation of Boston over British go to Canada to await reinforcements, including Hessian mercenaries Will invade NYC next
June 1776- Congress votes to declare independence THOMAS JEFFERSON- chosen to write a Declaration of Independence Congress approves it on July 4, 1776 Key purpose: declaring independence from ENGLAND Provides a justification for REVOLUTION against an unjust government 2. Summary of the ideas of JOHN LOCKE
Per 7 Unalienable rights 17 Laws of nature- 11 Usa- 11 Right to abolish- 6 Libery- 10 Created equal- 8 Life… happineess- 13 Absolute tyranny- 11 Independent staqtes- 9 Divine providence-