1. Chapter 8 The American Revolution 1776-1783

2. Section 1: Declaring Independence
2nd Continental Congress
Philadelphia, May 1775
Put together a colonial army
Wanted to remain part of Great Britain, but rule themselves
Olive Branch Petition
Told King that colonists were still loyal to him
War was the only option
Form the Continental Army
Commanded by George Washington

3. The War Has Begun

4. Washington’s Army Advantages Problems Knew the territory
Believed in the cause
Washington was a brilliant leader…from what?
Colonists have more to lose
Problems
Lacked discipline and training
Wanted to stay home and protect their land and families
Bad pay, food, clothing, weaponry
Only 15,000-20,000 soldiers

5. The British Army Advantages Disadvantages
50,000 soldiers and a powerful navy
Well trained and had battle experience
Hired Hessians
German soldiers
Disadvantages
Far from home in unfamiliar territory
Different terrain

6. Green Mountain Boys Led by Ethan Allen Joined Benedict Arnold
Together, they attacked Fort Ticonderoga
Surprise attack
Victory
Collected ammunition and cannons from the enemy

7. The Battle at Bunker Hill
Thomas Gage
British General set up cannons to drive out rebels
William Prescott
American Colonel marched to Breed’s Hill for defense
June 17, 1775
British attack Breed’s Hill
American’s had very little ammunition
“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”

8. Battle of Bunker Hill Continued
British had two unsuccessful attacks
Americans run out of gunpowder and retreat
Casualties
1,000 British
400 Americans
Importance:
Untrained militias stood up to British army
Americans were willing to fight

9. Declaring Independence
Thomas Paine
Common Sense
Declared that American colonies received no rights from England, only exploited them
Called for colonists to use “common sense” and become independent
Sold 500,000 copies

10. Lee’s Resolution Richard Henry Lee Independence or Treason?
June 7, 1776
Resolution to declare independence from Great Britain
Independence or Treason?
A committee is formed
Thomas Jefferson – writer
Ben Franklin – editor/ speaker
John Adams, Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman

11. The Final Decision July 2, 1776 July 4, 1776
Second Continental Congress approves Lee’s resolution
July 4, 1776
Declaration of Independence is officially approved
John Hancock signed the document first

12. The Declaration of Independence
Written by Thomas Jefferson
Influenced by John Locke
Four parts
Preamble
Explains why it was written
Rights of the citizens
Colonists complaints about the British government
Declares the colonies freedom
America’s birth certificate

13. Loyalists and Patriots
Supported ties with Great Britain
Tories
Prepared for war
Patriots
Favored separation from Great Britain
Also known as Yankees
Vs.