4.  On May 10, 1775, colonial delegates met in Philadelphia  Colonists create a “Continental” Army to fight the British

5.  Soldiers from the colonies  George Washington was elected Commander in chief

6.  He was a Virginian Patriot who considered himself an “American”

7.  First major battle of the Revolution  British won but lost many soldiers

8.  A peaceful petition sent to king George in July of 1775 asking him to end quarrels

9.  Published by Thomas Paine  The pamphlet persuaded colonists that independence was the key to a brighter future

10.  Thomas Jefferson of Virginia

11.  To explain to the world why the colonies were choosing to separate from Great Britain

12.  From the consent of the governed/citizens

13.  Rights common to everyone, as opposed to those given by law (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happinesS)

14.  Southerners felt it would lead to demands to free the slaves  Merchants in the slave trade might be offended  They thought it was unfair to blame the king

15.  On July 4, 1776