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Classwork Grade Page 165 in textbook
Questions 1-4 (This does include Terms & Names)
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Declaring Independence
Main Idea: Fighting between American and British troops led the colonies to declare their independence. Why it matters now: The United States of America was founded at this time.
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The Continental Army Is Formed
After the fighting at Lexington & Concord, militiamen from Massachusetts & other colonies began gathering around Boston. Their members eventually reached some 20,000. On May 10, 1775, Americans attacked Britain’s Fort Ticonderoga. Ethan Allen led this band of backwoodsmen known as the Green Mountain Boys.
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Fort Ticonderoga VIDEO ^
The Americans captured the fort and its large supply of artillery—cannon and large guns. These guns would be used later to drive the British from Boston. VIDEO ^
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The Second Continental Congress
On May 10, the Second Cont. Congress would start meeting in Philadelphia. Delegates included John & Samuel Adams, John Hancock, Ben Franklin, George Washington, and Patrick Henry. They agreed to form the Continental Army.
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The Continental Army George Washington was chosen as its commanding general. He had served as a colonial officer with the British during the French & Indian War. Congress also authorized the printing of paper money to pay the troops. It was beginning to act as a government.
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The Battle of Bunker Hill
Boston in June Militiamen seized Bunker Hill & Breed’s Hill behind Charlestown Militiamen build fortifications on Breed’s Hill. Alarmed, the British decided to attack. When the British got close, the militia unleashed murderous fire. The British fell back and then charged again, forcing the militia off the hill.
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History Channel- Bunker Hill Video
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The Battle of Bunker Hill
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Hope for the Colonists The redcoats had won the Battle of Bunker Hill, but at tremendous cost. More than 1,000 were killed or wounded, compared with some 400 militia casualties. The inexperienced colonial militia had held its own against the world’s most powerful army.
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Think-Pair-Share Checkpoint Answer for a basket shot!!
Please do not use your notes while answering. Why was the Battle of Bunker Hill considered an important one for the colonists?
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Answer - Why was the Battle of Bunker Hill considered an important one for the colonists?
The redcoats had won the Battle of Bunker Hill, but at tremendous cost. The inexperienced colonial militia had held its own.
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A Last Attempt at Peace – Olive Branch Petition
In July 1775, moderates in Congress drafted the Olive Branch Petition and sent it to London. This document asked the king to restore harmony between Britain and the colonies. The king rejected the petition, however, and announced new measures to punish the colonies.
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Think-Pair-Share …Answer for a Basket Shot!
What was the purpose and outcome of the Olive Branch Petition?
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The King’s punishments:
The King would send thousands of hired German soldiers (Hessians) to fight in America The King would also use the British navy to block American ships from leaving their ports.
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Colonists v. British soldiers
The British soldiers were professionals, while the colonial troops had little training and were poorly equipped. The Massachusetts militia barely had enough gunpowder to fight one battle.
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George Washington During the summer of 1775, Washington arrived at the militia camp near Boston. He immediately began to gather supplies and train the army. In the fall, Washington approved a bold plan. Continental Army troops would invade Quebec, in eastern Canada.
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Benedict Arnold One of the leaders of the mission to invade Quebec
Under harsh conditions (winter) the Americans launched their attack but failed.
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The British Retreat from Boston
In Massachusetts, the Continental Army had surrounded British forces in Boston. Neither side was willing to break the standoff. However, help for Washington was on the way. Cannons were being hauled from Fort Ticonderoga. It took soldiers two months to drag the 59 heavy weapons to Boston.
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The British Retreat from Boston
Washington now armed with these cannons moved his troops to Dorchester Heights, overlooking Boston. The Americans threatened to bombard the city. General Howe, who was now in charge of the British forces, decided to withdraw his troops. Boston Patriots joyfully reclaimed their city.
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The Aftermath Anti-British feeling in Boston was so strong that the Loyalists feared for their safety. Some Patriots even called for Loyalists to be hanged as traitors. This did not happen, but Loyalists’ homes and property were seized.
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Discussion for table points
Did the Loyalists deserve punishment? Explain
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Common Sense Is Published
In early 1776, most Americans still wanted to avoid a final break with Britain. However, the publication of a pamphlet titled Common Sense helped convince many Americans that a complete break with Britain was necessary. Written by Thomas Paine, this pamphlet made a strong case for American independence.
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What was “Common Sense?”
Revolutionary war pamphlet English, 48 pages First published anonymously January 10, 1776 Sold 500,000 copies in first year & 25 editions Precursor to the Declaration of Independence, which was written six months later
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Thomas Paine
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“I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense,” Argued strongly for COMPLETE American Independence, not just freedom from British taxation
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Thomas Paine – Common Sense
Paine ridiculed the idea that kings ruled by the will of God. Calling George III “the Royal Brute,” Paine argued that all monarchies were corrupt. He also disagreed with the economic arguments for remaining with Britain.
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How did Common Sense succeed in inspiring so much revolutionary feeling?
Used forceful everyday language, influencing workers to attack the idea that the British King should rule the American Colonies American independence would be a victory for humans everywhere
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How did Common Sense succeed in inspiring so much revolutionary feeling?
Words convinced many Americans that the cause of independence was a just one Played a central role in rallying public opinion; convinced many who were unsure of the purpose of the war
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Paine’s PAIN. It was absurd for an island to rule a continent.
America was not a British nation Britain the "mother country" should take better care of it’s ‘child’, the colonies. Being a part of Britain would drag America into unnecessary European wars,
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Paine’s PAIN. Continued..
The distance Puritans believed that God wanted to give them a safe haven from the persecution of British rule. Britain ruled the colonies for its own benefit, and would not let the colonies have a say
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Common Sense = Successful!!
Common Sense was an instant success. Published in January, it sold more than 100,000 copies in three months. Thomas Paine Video
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Directions Read “Thomas Paine and Common Sense” and answer the questions on the back This will count as a classwork grade You have 10 minutes We will share back for basket shots!!
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Think-Pair-Share …Answer for a Basket Shot!
What point does Thomas Paine make in Common Sense? What impact did Paine’s pamphlet have on the colonies?
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Why did some colonists support England and oppose independence?
By 1775, the movement towards independence had gained traction. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense,” which put forth the arguments for independence, was published in January 1776 and sold as many as 120,000 copies in the first three months, 500,000 in the first year, and went through twenty-five editions in the first year alone. However, as many as 15-20% of colonists remained loyal to the English King and opposed to independence.
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Loyalists As many as 15-20% of colonists remained loyal to the English King and opposed to independence. Loyalists were often wealthier people, merchants, or people active in the Anglican Church. There were also concentrations of Loyalists in certain areas, such as New York and Long Island. Massachusetts was NOT Loyalist territory. Many consider it to be the heart of the Revolution.
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Discussion for table points!!
Why might some colonists have remained loyal to England?
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The Declaration Is Adopted
On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the document that proclaimed independence—the Declaration of Independence. John Hancock, the president of the Congress, was the first to sign the Declaration.
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The Declaration of Independence
This idea is that people have unalienable rights, or rights that government cannot take away. If a government disregards these rights, it loses its rights to govern. The people then have the right to abolish that government, by force if necessary.
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Think-Pair-Share …Answer for a Basket Shot!
When does the Declaration say it is right to overthrow an established government?
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Think-Pair-Share Answer
When does the Declaration say it is right to overthrow an established government? Answer: People can abolish a government when it disregards their rights.
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Declaration of Independence Video
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Exit Ticket
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