1. 10/22 US History
Do Now:
Copy the homework.
Copy the essential question.
Essential Question: How did the decisions of the Second Continental Congress lead to the colonies declaring independence?

2. The Declaration of Independence

3. We need a leader
On May 10, 1775 the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, PA.

4. Misnamed? The Battle at Bunker Hill took place at Breed’s Hill.
Israel Putman fought off 2 attacks by the British Gen. William Howe and his redcoats.
Howe took the hill on the third attack because the colonists ran out of gunpowder.

5. Battle of Bunker Hill

6. Siege of Boston
Ticonderoga

7. Siege of Boston Ticonderoga
Washington needed artillery to attack Boston.
He sent a bookseller, Henry Knox, to Ticonderoga.
Ticonderoga was a fort seized by Ethan Allen and Benjamin Arnold.

8. Siege of Boston
Ethan Allen
Henry Knox

9. Siege of Boston
Knox dragged 59 cannons and 2,300 lbs. of lead 300 miles to Boston.

10. Siege of Boston
The guns were placed on Dorchester Heights. All were aimed at the British.
Gen. Howe (Brit.) and his troops decided to leave Boston.

11. Olive Branch Petition

12. Olive Branch Petition Also known as the “Humble Petition.”
Before the Siege of Boston, to avoid bloodshed, Congress sent a petition to King George III asking him to end the quarrel.

13. Olive Branch Petition
The King had already declared the traitorous colonies to be in rebellion.

14. Declaration
Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the declaration.

15. Declaration
Before, people believed the King’s authority came from God.
Jefferson argued all people are equal.
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable rights.

16. Independence Day ??? July 2, 1776 ???
On July 2, 1776 the delegates agreed on Independence,…
…but some changes were required.

17. Debate Over Slavery “…of a distant people carrying them into slavery.”
Unfortunately, no one liked this line.
Southerners worried about losing their slave.
Northerners worried about their merchants who profited from the slave trade.

18. Triangular Trade

19. Triangular Trade Rum and iron from New England to West Africa.
Slaves were taken to the West Indies (Caribean Islands).
Molasses and Sugar were brought back to New England.

20. Independence Day

21. Independence Day
On July 4th 1776, the delegates approved a final version of the Declaration of Independence.
The United States of America was born.