March 5, 1770 Culmination of tensions in the Colonies 5 Colonists died

What we learned so far: ~ Armed guards were on duty ~ Angry mob began throwing rocks, ice balls, oyster shells, etc at soldiers ~ Taunted them, “Fire if you dare!” ~ One soldier got hit, knocked to ground, gun went off ~ Other soldiers panicked, opened fire

Boston Massacre did not spark new protests against British rule as expected Things actually remained peaceful for a while Until…..

Attempt to “rescue” the East India Company (EIC) Trading company that controlled all trade between Britain and Asia Colonia boycott hurt the company badly They held a monopoly over tea sales in colonies!

It actually lowered the cost of tea! Thought they would trick colonists into buying taxed tea, but they didn’t fall for it! When ships arrived, protesters prevented them from unloading

Sons of Liberty decided to unload the tea for the remaining British ships in the harbor- but not in the nice way… Dressed as Mohawk Indians, they dumped 90,000 pounds of tea into the sea

King thought they went too far this time Issue not about taxes- KGIII wanted total control Result- new series of laws 1. Boston Harbor was closed to all shipping until tea was paid for 2. Placed the government firmly under British control 3. British soldiers who were accused of murder would be tried in England 4. More troops were sent to Boston to enforce new laws

50 leaders from 12 colonies (most of the British colonies in North America)  First Continental Congress Many spoke for their own colony, but needed to come together! Only one thing united them- love of country and hatred of tyranny Sent KGIII a peaceful message

Paul Revere and William Dawes’ famous ride Militia waited for British in Lexington, were attacked suddenly. Lost battle, Brits marched to Concord. North Bridge- Brits opened fire, expecting another win. Colonists held positions, Brits retreated!

No turning back!

 Lexington and Concord was a turning point for colonies  Patrick Henry- one the more outspoken people for independence! “Give me liberty, or give me death!”  May Second Continental Congress met  Wanted to know who should lead the “New England Army”

 John Adams proposed to Congress that a ‘continental army’ be created.  George Washington was elected  Meanwhile, back in Boston….

 2 forts were being built on two hills that overlooked the city  Bunker Hill  Breed’s Hill  Worried British general, William Howe, who had just arrived with more troops  He ordered them to attack the colonists.  Not smart.

 British fought uphill- colonists were told ‘don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes’  Took 3 attempts for British to actually take over the hill  A war had begun!

 Washington’s new army had no supplies!  Took canons from Fort Ticonderoga, dragged them to Boston  Brits woke up to see Boston was surrounded-  Howe abandoned city!

 Congress sent peace petition to KGIII  “Olive Branch Petition”  Was too late- KGIII already considered them traitors! Common Sense  Thomas Payne’s Common Sense  Arguments against the King- influenced many

Continental Congress appointed a committee to write a declaration of independence Main goal- explain to world why the colonies were choosing to separate from Britain All people are born equal in God’s eyes; entitled to the same basic rights