Chapter 8, Lesson 1 ACOS #8: Identify major events sof the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Trenton, and Yorktown ACOS #8a: Describe the social and political impact of the Declaration of Independence ACOS #8d: Locate on a map major battle sites of the American Revolution

The Steps to Independence After the battles of 1775, the American colonists and Britain were at war. Battle of Lexington Battle of Concord Battle of Bunker Hill (really Breed’s Hill) What were the 3 famous battles of 1775? Colonist for King George III were called Loyalists-they did not want war Colonist who wanted independence from Britain were called Patriots.

Patrick Henry He was a Patriot from Virginia He felt that independence was worth fighting for

Thomas Paine’s Pamphlet “Common Sense” Pushed for independence Short, easy to understand, and cheap Colonists bought over 100,000 copies George Washington said, “I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many”. Who did Thomas Paine write to in Common Sense ? The inhabitants of America (colonists)

Debate in Congress Delegate to the Second Continental Congress read Common Sense They knew war was necessary but risky King George III was gathering soldiers to attack On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee asked Congress to officially declare independence.

Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson and 4 other men wrote the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson wrote that all people have the right to be free and the right to seek happiness. He also wrote that King George tried to take away colonists’ rights and to force taxes on them. They had the right to form their own government.

Date written Part 1: explains why colonists must break away from Britain People have rights List of complaints against the king Declares the colonies independent 1st to sign, president of congress

Turn and Talk with your “elbow partner.” 1. Why was this document so important? 2. Why was it dangerous to sign it? 3. Think about the words….”We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal…” For this time period, what did these words actually mean? How has the meaning of these words changed since 1776?

Importance of the Declaration of Independence The delegates signed the declaration. Anyone who signed it could be charge with treason against Britain and hanged. It marked the moment when Americans chose to rule themselves. It is important today because it states that the people of the United States believe in equal rights for all.

Lesson 1 Vocabulary *The crime of fighting against one’s treason own government *Freedom from being ruled by someone else *freedoms that are protected by law. *A statement that declares or announces an idea treason independence rights declaration