-First meeting was held in Philadelphia September Meeting was NOT about becoming independent from the Crown -Wrote a letter to Britain expressing their concerns and disappointments with the “Acts” that passed tax burdens on the colonists -Continental Congress agreed to reconvene in six months in anticipation of Britain’s response -First meeting was held in Philadelphia September Meeting was NOT about becoming independent from the Crown -Wrote a letter to Britain expressing their concerns and disappointments with the “Acts” that passed tax burdens on the colonists -Continental Congress agreed to reconvene in six months in anticipation of Britain’s response

-May British parliament did not respond to the Continental Congress’ letter, the Crown saw the letter as a joke. -The Continental Congress made the decision to form a revolutionary government and to stay in session for the rest of the War. -May British parliament did not respond to the Continental Congress’ letter, the Crown saw the letter as a joke. -The Continental Congress made the decision to form a revolutionary government and to stay in session for the rest of the War.

Early Battles Britain's Response Colonists Loyalty to Britain Division in the Colonies Declaration of Independence George Washington Army VS. Militia Weapons Military Campaign

-The 13 colonies did not agree on the decision to go to war with Britain -1/3 Supported independence -1/3 Supported loyalty to Britain (Loyalists) -1/3 Were Neutral -The 13 colonies did not agree on the decision to go to war with Britain -1/3 Supported independence -1/3 Supported loyalty to Britain (Loyalists) -1/3 Were Neutral Treatment of the Loyalists

-Loyalists were referred to as “Tories” -Slang for a traitor -During and after the Revolution Loyalists were stolen from, beaten up, tortured and murdered. State governments looked in the other direction while this was happening -Britain made no effort to protect the loyalists -80,000 loyalists fled the United States to reside in Canada 1,000 African American loyalists fled back to Africa

Militia at Lexington BridgeBridge Dorchester Heights Bunker Hill

General Thomas Gage And his British solders were met by militia resistance at a Lexington bridge

Great Views of Boston!!! Protection given by 14,000 militia men camped out waiting for a fight. Birth place of the Continental Army On June 14, 1775 George Washington was named the general of the Continental Army. We now celebrate this as Flag Day

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Battle fought strategically -Americans built trench style fortifications -Waited to fire until they could see the whites of the British's eyes -It took three waves of British soldiers to penetrate American trenches

Britain’s response to the colonists revolt -Britain saw the revolution as an open revolt against the crown -Immediately called for a naval blockade of the American coast line -Hired 50,000 German mercenaries and sent them to America -That’s 25 percent of the entire continental army!!!! Next

-The Grand union flag has 13 stripes and Britain’s flag in the left hand corner -When British munitions were captured, they were inventoried and stored with hopes of returning them to Britain. -Washington was known to toast to King Gorge III, the monarch of Britain Next

Best General in United States History Lost more battles than he won Washington was a symbol of American Freedom Created the continental army while in his tent Washington read, “Common Sense” by Thomas Payne, to his troops During the war was Given Dictatorship power over the colonies, but he didn’t accept it After the war he went back to working on his farm Next

Continental Army Militia Group Freedom is alive as long as the continental army is fighting Highly trained professional soldiers 3 year enlistment period 20% of the Colonial Fighting Force 80% of the Colonial Fighting Force Made up of “Weekend Warrior” fighters Officers were Ranked Based on Wealth not Military Experience Drain on Supplies and Food, at one time Washington Called the Militia Worthless Served 3,6,9, or 12 Month Enlistments Next

This is an example of a rifled barrel which was unusual and rare Flintlock pistol, replica of Washington's Powder horn for holding gunpowder Next

Lead bullets flattened out in midair and caused large exit holes in victims Next

Siege of Boston June March 1776 Trenton- Princeton Campaign Dec 76-Jan 77 New York Campaign July- August 1776

The Continental Army Sat atop of Dorchester Heights for 9 months forcing the British to leave Boston and move south to New York

British forces headed south from Boston, Washington gathered troops and met the British in New York. Washington and his troops were chased out of New York. Washington put in a letter of resignation, but the continental congress urged him to stay

Washington’s surprise attack Christmas night on a small garrison in Trenton Attacked Princeton on January 2 nd Small wins in military context but large wins for morale and the cause Good Job George