Declaring War

Why did the Colonies no longer want to be part of England? Mercantilism Taxation without Representation Acts/unfair laws Self-government

Where did we get our ideas about revolution? The Magna Carta was a document that limited the kings power and gave the people certain rights Colonists were used to Salutary Neglect John Locke- (Philosopher) The idea that the government has obligations to the people it rules. “Social Contract”. If the government breaks the contract, “It is your right and responsibility to overthrow tyrannical governments” Charles de Montesquieu- (Philosopher) Executive and Legislative Branch (president and congress), separation of powers, importance of education William Blackstone- (Judge) Supported the idea of “natural rights” (Life and Liberty) Thomas Hooker- (Puritan Reverend) Fundamental Orders of Connecticut William Penn- (Quaker) Religious tolerance

Rallying support for the Revolution! As it became more clear that war was the only option, writer Thomas Paine wrote the book/pamphlets Common Sense to rally support in favor of the war. Other authors, such as Mercy Otis Warren also helped support the war by writing that Britain’s laws and taxes were unfair. She also wrote that Britain was too far away to understand colonial life. For this reason, she tried to convince people that they would be better off with their own government. Since before women were considered less intelligent than men, and were expected to obey their husbands and fathers, could not vote or go to school Abigail Adams wrote to her husband and member of the Second Continental Congress asking him to “…Remember the Ladies” and treat them fairly and equally. Sons of liberty-Samuel Adams Committees of Correspondence-to keep colonies informed Negative British propaganda- Paul Revere’s “Boston Massacre” engraving

Quiz 1.Explain why propaganda was important in gaining support for the cause of the American Revolution. 2. Although women for the most part were not active in fighting, in what ways could they support the cause of the Revolution? 3. Look at the responses you wrote for pg. 20 of your journal. Which do you think is the greatest advantage for the colonists and for the British? Why do you think so?

Olive Branch Petition

Second Continental Congress Makes a Choice…. Important Figures: *Patrick Henry- “Give me Liberty or Give Me Death” *Thomas Jefferson-Author of the Declaration of Independence *George Washington- Elected Commander in Chief of the colonial army (General) *Ben Franklin (ambassador to France) Sought support for the cause of the Revolution Lexington & Concord: First battle of the Revolution… “The Shot Heard Around the World” The Pros outweighed the Cons =Declaring Independence on July 4 th 1776

What is the declaration of independence and Why was it to so important?

“No more Kings” and “We Declare Our Independence”