1. Declaring Independence
Section Four

2. A) The second Continental congress

3. Second Continental Congress
In May of 1775, the Second Continental Congress met with many more influential leaders attending: John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, etc.

4. Franklin
Hancock
Jefferson
More Leaders Emerge

5. One of the main goals of this Congress was the creation of a continental army with George Washington as the commander.
Washington
The Continental Army

6. Olive Branch Petition
Another goal of the Second Continental Congress was to create the Olive Branch Petition. This was meant as a final offering of peace to King George III and the British government. The King refused to even read this document!

7. British Army Strengthens
King George continued to raise his own British Army and he hired 30,000 German “Hessian” soldiers. These men were mercenaries.
British Army Strengthens

8. German Hessian Soldiers

9. Americans Attack Canada
Americans decide to take offensive measures and attack first. American troops attack Montreal and seize the city. Next, they attack Quebec and fail.

10. In March of 1776, Washington led the Continental Army into Boston after bombarding the city. He forced the British General William Howe to retreat to Nova Scotia in Canada.

11. Thomas Paine & Common Sense
Earlier in the year, Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet called Common Sense that said the Americans had every right to have independence. This inspired many Americans.

12. B) Declaring Independence
The question of independence was the main issue of the Second Continental Congress. The Congress was divided because they didn’t know if they would win the war.

13. Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson
Declaration of Independence
The Congress created a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence and named Thomas Jefferson, the youngest member, as its author.

14. John Locke
Jefferson used the ideas of John Locke, who said that people had the right to life, liberty, and property and that people establish governments to protect these rights and can change it if they are not protected.

15. July 4, 1776

16. Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776; the final draft of the Declaration of Independence was passed and signed by the 56 members and copies were sent to all of the colonies.
Declaration of Independence

17. Parts of the Declaration
Preamble (Opening)
Natural Rights of Man
Abuses of the King (List of Grievances)
Final Statement of Independence
Parts of the Declaration

18. East & West Florida Remain Loyal
The 13 colonies all accepted the Declaration of Independence. East and West Florida refused and stayed loyal to England.