1. The Road to War
Chapter 8: Section 4

2. Big Question to Answer:
How did the colonists prepare for war with Britain?

3. The Second Continental Congress
News spread through the colonies about the battle at Lexington! They held a second Continental Congress that met in Philadelphia
Delegates were divided about the war. John Dickinson – Delegate of Pennsylvania wanted the group to avoid fighting.

4. Preparing for the War
The first step was for Congress to build an army! John Adams – Delegate from Massachusetts suggested that the commander and chief should be George Washington…
Washington has had experience leading and Army in the French and Indian War, so John Adams thought that he would be a good leader for the Continental Army.
The Continental Army needed money for the war  Congress printed its own paper money which became known as the Continental currency. ”Congress paid the soldiers in bills called Continentals” (p.319)

5. The Battle at Bunker Hill
Read p.320 as a class
Cause and Effect: What caused the colonists to retreat from Breed’s Hill
Think/Pair/Share and analyze the picture on p.321

6. The Olive Branch Petition
July 5, 1775 Congress sent a petition to King George III
The petition asked for peace, so the petition became known as “The Olive Branch Petition”
Why an olive branch?
An olive branch was a symbol of peace

7. Declaration of Independence
Magic Pen Play
Students will be divided into two groups. In groups, students will read, practice, and perform the short play "A Magical Pen."
"A Magic Pen" was adapted from an article by Ruth Spencer Johnson.
Students will reread the play "A Magical Pen."
What is the author's purpose of the play "A Magical Pen"? Write a one paragraph response to this question in RACER format!

8. Articles of Confederation
The “first plan of government for the United States” (p.330)
Effect on new nation: “It helped keep the states together during the Revolutionary War.” (p.330)