1. United States History 8 Unit 1, Chapter 4, Section 1
The Revolution Begins
United States History 8
Unit 1, Chapter 4, Section 1

2. Main Idea
The First Continental Congress demanded certain rights from Great Britain
Armed conflict between British soldiers and colonists broke out with the “shot heard ‘round the world.”
The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army to fight the British
In two early battles, the army lost control of Boston but then regained it
Tensions between Britain and colonies led to armed conflict in 1775

3. First Continental Congress
Meeting of Colonial representatives in October 1774 in Philadelphia
Leaders were deeply troubled about the relationship between Great Britain and American colonies
Drafted the Declaration of Rights, a list of 10 resolutions to be presented to King George III, which included the right to “life, liberty, and property.”
Agreed to meet in 1775 if the king refused their petition

4. Quote:
“They tell us, Sir, that we are weak; unable to cope with so formidable an adversary. But when will we be stronger? Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace – but there is no peace. I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.”-Patrick Henry

5. “Shot Heard ‘round the World”
April 1775-Paul Revere rode to warn the minutemen of the British advance
Colonists used drums and church bells to call minutemen
Battle of Lexington-beginning of Revolutionary War: Colonists-8 dead, 10 wounded-Redcoats-1 wounded
Battle of Concord-British defeated and forced to retreat to Boston

6. Second Continental Congress
May 1775, delegates from 12 colonies met in Philadelphia for a 2nd time
Some voted for war, some for peace
Authorized the Massachusetts militia to become the Continental Army
Virginian, George Washington named commander
July 5, delegates signed Olive Branch Petition to restore harmony, King George refused to read it

7. Early Battles Bunker Hill: June 17, 1775 Launched from Breed’s Hill
Patriot commander: do not fire “until you see the whites of their eyes.”
Twice as many British killed as Patriots
Dorchester Heights: March 4, 1776
George Washington forced the British to retreat to Canada due to artillery from Fort Ticonderoga

8. George Washington Lived 1732-1799 Born in Virginia colony
1775 served in Second Continental Congress; selected commander of Continental Army
1789 inaugurated president
1796 retires to Mount Vernon
1799 dies at Mount Vernon