1. Chapter 6: TCI Declaring Independence
All illustrations courtesy History Alive! or clipart.

2. 2nd Continental Congress
Formed of delegates from the colonies
Still addressing problem of voices not heard by King
New Eng. Militia in Boston vs. British Army
Who should command the New England Army?

3. Continental Army Adams proposed mix of all colonies
Nominated Washington
Essentially militia men coming together to protect New England at first
Mixed group; little discipline & training

4. George Washington Gentleman from Virginia
Experience from French & Indian War
Excellent character would unite troops
Unanimous decision

5. Battle of Bunker Hill Putnam led few hundred men up Breed’s Hill
Howe (British General) ordered attack
Putnam – low on ammunition “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”
Took three attacks for British to take hill
British won, but lost 1000 casualties; Colonial Army = less than half

6. British abandon Boston
Henry Knox (colonial army) secured guns from Fort Ticonderoga
Surrounded British location overnight at Dorchester Heights
Howe removes troops & Loyalists from Boston March 6, 1776 – anniversary of Boston Massacre
Known in

7. Olive Branch Petition
Attempt to peacefully negotiate compromise with King
By the time it got to London – King ordered “bring the Traitors to Justice”
Even Washington (horrified by thought of separation) agreed it was time to withdraw as British extension

8. Common Sense/Thomas Paine
Paine did not believe they owed anything to King
No benefit to America to remain tied to Great Britain
Trade suffered under British control
Dragged into European wars
Oppose tyranny
Persuaded 1000s of colonists was key to brighter future

9. Thomas Jefferson
Given task of drafting Declaration of Independence (document written to declare official independent nation)
Youngest member of 2nd Continental Congress (33)
Virginian planter (wealthy)
Shy but great writer

10. Declaration of Independence
All but NY cast yes vote
Natural Rights:
Rights all people have since birth
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
Slavery & Triangle Trade
Removed from document
Fear of economic backlash if included
Independence Day
Final break July 2 = final draft written
July 4 = approved

11. Can you answer these?
Who did John Adams propose be the leader of the Continental army and why did he suggest this person?
What is one similarity and three differences between the Olive Branch Petition and Common Sense?
What was the main the differing point of view of Northern and Southern delegates at the 2nd Continental Congress regarding slavery?

12. Were you right?
Who did John Adams propose be the leader of the Continental army and why did he suggest this person? George Washington – compromise between north & south; military experience
What is one similarity and three differences between the Olive Branch Petition and Common Sense?
Similarity = Both gave solutions to problems between Great Britain and the colonies
Differences = OB was written directly to the King and CS was written to colonists; Colonists asked for an end to the quarrels and hope for peace and CS claimed GB hurt the colonies; King rejected the OB and called colonist traitors and CS was read by thousands of colonists and were persuaded to align in the fight for independence.
What was the main the differing point of view of Northern and Southern delegates at the 2nd Continental Congress regarding slavery?
Northern delegates = language about slavery may offend the NE merchants who benefit from the slave trade.
Southern delegates = language would lead to an end to slavery and they relied on slaves for labor force.