 On May 10, 1775, colonial delegates met in Philadelphia  Colonists create a “Continental” Army to fight the British

 Soldiers from the colonies  George Washington was elected Commander in chief

 He was a Virginian Patriot who considered himself an “American”

 First major battle of the Revolution  British won but lost many soldiers

 A peaceful petition sent to king George in July of 1775 asking him to end quarrels

 Published by Thomas Paine  The pamphlet persuaded colonists that independence was the key to a brighter future

 Thomas Jefferson of Virginia

 To explain to the world why the colonies were choosing to separate from Great Britain

 From the consent of the governed/citizens

 Rights common to everyone, as opposed to those given by law (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happinesS)

 Southerners felt it would lead to demands to free the slaves  Merchants in the slave trade might be offended  They thought it was unfair to blame the king

 On July 4, 1776