1. Tuesday 10/8/13
AIM: Understand what events led to a declaration of Independence.
DO Now: Analyze the following quote. What message is John Adams’ message?

2. “The Revolution was in the minds of people, and this was effected, from 1760 to 1775, in the course of 15 years before a drop of blood was shed at Lexington”
- John Adams

3. Last Chance for Peace
In one last attempt for peace, delegates met at the Second Continental Congress (May 1775)
Colonies would pledge their loyalty to King if the Intolerable Acts were repealed
Olive Branch Petition
Congress set up the Continental Army
Chose George Washington to lead

4. Support Divided Loyalists or Tories Patriots ¼ colonists
Small at start of the war & grew
Embraced by those who saw economic opportunity in an independent America

5. COMMON SENSE 47 page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine
Argued for independence
500,000 copies sold!
Helped to overcome many colonists’ doubts about separating from Britain

6. “I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many men” – George Washington

7. Once war was inevitable, most of the early fighting centered around Boston.
Battle of Bunker Hill
Took 3 attempts for the British to take control of Bunker & Breed’s Hill
1,000 British dead/wounded vs. 400 Americans
First MAJOR battle of the war. Showed Americans had a chance and it was going to be a real war.

8. Time to Declare Independence
Events pushed the wavering Continental Congress to make a decision in May 1776

9. What are some advantages/disadvantages of declaring independence?