1. Warm-Up (10/16)
What effect did the Middle Passage have on the New England colonies?
It supplied them with slaves for work on their farms and plantations.
The tools and goods that are sent to Africa for the slaves are produced in this region.
The fishing industry and the ships that were produced in this region were used to bring slaves to America.
It doesn’t have an effect.

2. Lexington & Concord “The shot heard ‘round the World”
*Were the first battles of the Revolutionary War*

3. It just. Got. Real!
May 1775 Philadelphia, PA The Second Continental Congress will meet for the first time after the Battles of Lexington and Concord

5. Well… What should we do now?

6. Two sides develop
Central issue of debate for the Second Continental Congress: Should the colonies declare independence or stay under the British rule? Some delegates still believed the colonies were not ready to form an independent nation.

7. Olive Branch Petition – guaranteed the King that the colonist wanted peace, but asked him to respect the colonists’ rights.

8. Second Continental Congress
While waiting for a response from the King, Continental Congress became governing body of the colonies.
Responsibilities:
Printed money
Created post offices
Named foreign ambassadors
Created Continental Army
*George Washington*
made commander

9. King’s Response

10. Independence becomes “Common Sense”
1776 –
Writer Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet “Common Sense”
Significance:
Advocated for American independence from England.
Used simple language that spoke to common people.
First work to openly promote independence.

11. Thomas Jefferson chosen to write the Declaration of Independence.
*Jefferson drew on the ideas of thinkers and philosophers like John Locke who believed people were born with certain natural rights to life, liberty, and property and those people should have a government to protect that.

13. FRQ Essay Answer parts A and B:
Explain why one of the following events best marks the beginning of the American Revolution, using specific historical evidence.
● The end of the French and Indian War in 1763
● The Battles at Lexington and Concord
● The forming of the Continental Congress
B. Provide specific historical evidence that explains why ONE of the other options is less convincing as the possible beginning of the American Revolution.