Declaring Independence Or How Nice Folks Finally Decided to Fight

In 1775, the First Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III

But the Congress also ordered an attack on British troops in Quebec Hoping the French in Quebec would join the colonists

King George was angry He did not even look at the Olive Branch Petition

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was also convincing the colonists to fight for independence

It was decided that the time had come for independence The Declaration of Independence was issued on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress

The first part of the Declaration of Independence is the Preamble

The second part states the rights of the people and the responsibilities of government to protect the people’s natural rights

The third part list the colonists’ complaints or grievances against the British

The fourth part states that the colonies are free and independent states

The British captured New York and used it as their headquarters during the war

General Washington sent Nathan Hale to spy on the British in New York He was captured and hanged

Nathan Hale said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan Hale was a great patriot

Washington then moved his troops to White Plains The British attacked Washington had to move his troops again

Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer solider and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

Washington then crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Day He attacked Hessians or German soldiers in Trenton Hessians were employed by the British He was victorious

The greatest American advantage was passion for liberty and freedom

The passion for consent of the governed