Ideas Help Start a Revolution Section 4*2 pp

Preview Questions What efforts did colonists make to avoid bloodshed as they hovered between war and peace? What efforts did colonists make to avoid bloodshed as they hovered between war and peace? What political and philosophical ideas are behind the Declaration of Independence? What political and philosophical ideas are behind the Declaration of Independence? What different attitudes were held by Loyalists and Patriots? What different attitudes were held by Loyalists and Patriots?

I. Efforts to Avoid War Meeting of colonial delegates Meeting of colonial delegates Some leaders urged independence, but others were not ready Some leaders urged independence, but others were not ready Delegates created the Continental Army and placed George Washington in charge. Delegates created the Continental Army and placed George Washington in charge. The Second Continental Congress The Second Continental Congress -1775

I. Efforts to Avoid War The Battle of Bunker Hill: The Battle of Bunker Hill: The Battle of Bunker Hill The Battle of Bunker Hill –Deadliest battle of war –British victory, but 1,000 killed The Olive Branch Petition The Olive Branch Petition –Peace offer sent to George III –George rejected it and declared colonies were in rebellion

II. Move Toward Independence Common Sense – Thomas Paine Common Sense – Thomas Paine –Turned public opinion against Britain –Unified colonies in quest for independence

II. Move Toward Independence Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence –Formally announces independence –Jefferson chosen to write formal declaration –Main Ideas:  Colonists have natural rights (life, liberty, etc.)  List wrongdoings of King George  Outlines the American dream

“We hold these truths to be self- evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”

II. Move Toward Independence Effects: Effects: –Win support for independence –Patriots now officially rebels –Increases colonial unity –List principles of government

III. Americans Choose Sides Patriots: Those who rebelled vs. Britain Patriots: Those who rebelled vs. Britain –Majority of colonists (~ 80%) –Younger & energetic –Middle class –Mostly from New England

III. Americans Choose Sides Loyalists: Remained loyal to Britain Loyalists: Remained loyal to Britain –Only ~ 20% of colonists –Older & conservative –Found in middle colonies –Reasons to remain loyal:  Saw rebellion as dangerous  Didn’t know about revolutionary events  Feared what would happen if colonies lost