Before the Fighting

Committee of Correspondence Way for the 13 colonies to keep in contact with one another prior to the war Ability to spread information from one colony to the next

Common Sense Written by Thomas Paine Used every day simple language to explain why the colonists should rebel Convinced many to become patriots

Olive Branch Petition Written during the 2nd Continental Congress as one last plea to bring peace between the British and the colonists King rejects this too

Mecklenburg Resolves May 1775 – NC drafts a document stating that all laws issued from Britain are null and void and that only colonial governments have control

Halifax Resolves Gave NC delegates the right to sign a petition to separate from Great Britain The first official action towards independence in the 13 colonies