1. ‘Tis Time To Part Declaring Independence

2. Focus Question: Identify three factors which led the colonists to declare independence from Britain.

3. Reluctant Revolutionaries Throughout the 1760s and early 1770s, colonists professed loyalty to Britain – Fought for “Rights as Englishmen” – Content to keep things as they were.

4. Rivalry With Parliament Colonists felt that the King was being misled – Parliament illegally expanding authority – Parliament was changing all the rules Colonists launched protests

5. Protests Fostered Unity Stamp Act Congress of 1765 Nonimportation Agreement Committees of Correspondence Sons of Liberty Daughters of Liberty

6. The Shot Heard ‘Round the World British and Colonial forces met on April 19, 1775 Skirmishes at Lexington and Concord – Colonists fought for “Rights as Englishmen” Met in a full battle at Bunker Hill in June

7. Olive Branch Petition Congress sent a message to George III – Professed colonial loyalty to the King – Asked to return to policies prior to 1763 Rejected outright by George III

8. Common Sense Some voices called for independence Thomas Paine and Common Sense – Stressed four points 1.Protects soldiers and sailors 2.Can gain international support 3.Expands American Trade 4.Provides example to the world

9. Independence Common Sense an instant best seller Numerous communities began calling for independence Congress assembled a committee to draft a Declaration of Independence in May, 1776