1. Chapter 8, Lesson 1
ACOS #8: Identify major events sof the American Revolution, including the Battles of Lexington and Concord, Bunker Hill, Saratoga, Trenton, and Yorktown
ACOS #8a: Describe the social and political impact of the Declaration of Independence
ACOS #8d: Locate on a map major battle sites of the American Revolution

2. The Steps to Independence
After the battles of 1775, the American colonists and Britain were at war.
Battle of Lexington
Battle of Concord
Battle of Bunker Hill (really Breed’s Hill)
What were the 3 famous battles of 1775?
Colonist for King George III were called Loyalists-they did not want war
Colonist who wanted independence from Britain were called Patriots.

3. Patrick Henry He was a Patriot from Virginia
He felt that independence was worth fighting for

4. Thomas Paine’s Pamphlet
“Common Sense”
Pushed for independence
Short, easy to understand, and cheap
Colonists bought over 100,000 copies
George Washington said, “I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many”.
Who did Thomas Paine write to in Common Sense ?
The inhabitants of America (colonists)

5. Debate in Congress
Delegate to the Second Continental Congress read Common Sense
They knew war was necessary but risky
King George III was gathering soldiers to attack
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee asked Congress to officially declare independence.

6. Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson and 4 other men wrote the Declaration of Independence.
Jefferson wrote that all people have the right to be free and the right to seek happiness.
He also wrote that King George tried to take away colonists’ rights and to force taxes on them.
They had the right to form their own government.

7. Date written
Part 1: explains why colonists must break away from Britain
People have rights
List of complaints against the king
Declares the colonies independent
1st to sign, president of congress

8. Turn and Talk with your “elbow partner.”
1. Why was this document so important?
2. Why was it dangerous to sign it?
3. Think about the words….”We hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal…” For this time period, what did these words actually mean? How has the meaning of these words changed since 1776?

9. Importance of the Declaration of Independence
The delegates signed the declaration.
Anyone who signed it could be charge with treason against Britain and hanged.
It marked the moment when Americans chose to rule themselves.
It is important today because it states that the people of the United States believe in equal rights for all.

10. Lesson 1 Vocabulary *The crime of fighting against one’s treason
own government
*Freedom from being ruled by
someone else
*freedoms that are protected
by law.
*A statement that declares or
announces an idea
treason
independence
rights
declaration