1. Fundamental Concepts: Chapter 6: The Declaration of Independence

3. Decision for Independence
The Battle of Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) demonstrated that Americans were willing to stand up to a pitched battle
The Lexington & Concord skirmish
was the 1st of a series of conflicts
from 1775 to 1776 before the
American call for independence:
Fighting erupted around Boston, NY,
Charlestown, & Quebec
The 2nd Continental Congress
met to organize a war plan
King George declared the
colonists in “open rebellion”
Despite growing calls for independence, the congress issued the Olive Branch Petition to King George in July 1775
In early 1776, both Spain & France began shipping war supplies to colonists
King George rejected the Olive Branch Petition in August 1775 20

4. Battle of Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill:
“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”
With over 1,000 casualties, the British suffered their greatest losses of the Revolution at Bunker Hill

5. The Decision for Independence
The colonists were divided about this decision for independence:
Supporters of independence were called “Patriots” or “Whigs”
Colonists that opposed independence were called “Loyalists” or “Tories”
There were many “neutral” colonists who were unsure about the possibility of independence

8. Decision for Independence
By 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress served as an informal national gov’t for the colonies
But the majority of colonists were undecided about independence
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense proved to be the key factor in convincing Americans to support colonial independence
Persuaded ordinary people to sever ties with England & its “royal brute” 20

9. Possible Answers

11. Decision for Independence
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence
On July 4, the Declaration of Independence was signed; The Declaration’s purpose was to:
Justify the Americans’ desire to separate from England
Spell-out the principles on which the new nation would be established
Natural rights & individual liberty
Democratic ideals (republicanism)

12. Chapter 6: Declaration of Independence: Essential Question
What principles of government are expressed in the Declaration of Independence?

13. * You must
know all 4
of these
principles.

14. Decision for Independence: Various Parts

19. Chapter 6 Workbook
Answer Key: