1. The Second Continental Congress (May 10 th 1775)  A. Meet like they promised in Philadelphia  B. Many come to resolve problems.  Among the people who came were: Ben Franklin, Sam and John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.  John Hancock was the President of the Congress  George Washington came to the Congress in uniform

2. The Second Continental Congress cont. 1. Creation of the Olive Branch Petition a. The letter said that the colonists would remain loyal to the King. b. They hoped this letter could get King George III to get Parliament to remove the taxes.

3. What the Congress created  2. Created a Continental Army – –The Congress used the army forming at Boston was their beginning for the Continental army  3. Make George Washington a general and commander of the Army –He leaves the Congress to meet his new army in Massachusetts

4. The Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17 th 1775)  A. Causes of the Battle 1.Most of the British army was in Boston 2.Thousands of militia had set up camp around Boston to keep the British from leaving. 3.On the night of June 16 th, Colonel William Prescott led 1200 rebels to secure the hills outside Boston a. First planned to take Bunker Hill, but Breeds hill proves to be better. a. First planned to take Bunker Hill, but Breeds hill proves to be better.

5. The Battle  1. General William Howe spotted the Americans and moved 2,400 British soldiers to the Hill.  a. The soldiers have very difficult time getting to and up the hill.  2. Americans were low on ammo  a. Prescott says “Don’t shoot until you see the whites of their eyes.”

7. The Battle cont.  3. After two failed attempts to take the hill, Howe orders the men to drop their backpacks and charge the Americans.  4. The British drive the Americans from the Hill.

13. Effects of the Battle  1. First major battle of the war ends in a draw  2. The battle shows Americans can fight (400 men)  3. Also shows the British will not be defeated (1000 men)