1. Declaring Independence

2. Second Continental Congress
Reconciliation vs. Independence
The Congress named George Washington as commander of the Continental army, authorized the printing of paper money, and established a committee to deal with foreign nations
The Olive Branch Petition
Most delegates were loyal to King George III – they blamed the king’s ministers for the problems and petitioned George to help return the colonies to harmony
George backed his ministers and issued a proclamation stating the colonies were in rebellion.

3. Battle of Bunker Hill – June 17, 1775
“Don’t fire until you see the white of their eyes”
Deadliest battle of the revolution (1000 Brits and 450 minutemen were killed)
Although the British took the hill, the battle demonstrated the resolve of the colonial army

4. “Common Sense” 50 page anonymous pamphlet written by Thomas Paine.
500,000 copies sold
Paine stated that independence was American destiny and explained the independence would improve the colonies socially and economically.

5. The Declaration Of Independence - adopted July 4, 1776
Thomas Jefferson, a Virginia lawyer, was chosen to prepare a formal document explaining the actions of the colonies
Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence had three parts.
1. defining natural rights (inalienable rights) – life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness – these demonstrated the influence of Locke
2. stating the colonists grievances with the King George and affirming the colonists rights to “alter or abolish” any government that threatened their rights (consent of the governed)
3. declaring their independence

6. Patriots vs. Loyalists
Patriots supported the Declaration of Independence. Many felt independence would bring vast economic opportunity to the colonies
Loyalists opposed independence for varying reasons
1. strong tie to the throne
2. some felt the British could better protect their rights
3. some felt the British would win and didn’t want to risk punishment
Most Native Americans supported the British because they saw the colonists as the larger threat.