1. Declaring Independence Or How Nice Folks Finally Decided to Fight

2. In 1775, the First Continental Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III

3. But the Congress also ordered an attack on British troops in Quebec Hoping the French in Quebec would join the colonists

4. King George was angry He did not even look at the Olive Branch Petition

5. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was also convincing the colonists to fight for independence

6. It was decided that the time had come for independence The Declaration of Independence was issued on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress

7. The first part of the Declaration of Independence is the Preamble

8. The second part states the rights of the people and the responsibilities of government to protect the people’s natural rights

9. The third part list the colonists’ complaints or grievances against the British

10. The fourth part states that the colonies are free and independent states

11. The British captured New York and used it as their headquarters during the war

12. General Washington sent Nathan Hale to spy on the British in New York He was captured and hanged

13. Nathan Hale said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” Nathan Hale was a great patriot

14. Washington then moved his troops to White Plains The British attacked Washington had to move his troops again

15. Thomas Paine wrote, “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer solider and the sunshine patriot will in this crisis shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

16. Washington then crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Day He attacked Hessians or German soldiers in Trenton Hessians were employed by the British He was victorious

17. The greatest American advantage was passion for liberty and freedom

18. The passion for consent of the governed