1. The War Begins

2. Second Continental Congress Even after the battles of Lexington and Concord most colonists did not favor independence Second Continental Congress came together in Philadelphia in May 1775 – Thomas Jefferson, John Hancock, Benjamin Franklin

3. Second Continental Congress At first divided about what to do Chose George Washington as the commander of the newly formed Continental Army Printed money Started to act like a government

4. Patriots Vs. Loyalists Patriots: – colonists who favored independence and were willing to fight for it Loyalists: – Those who remained loyal to Britain and the king

5. Petitioning the King Olive Branch Petition: – Stated the colonists were loyal to the king. It asked George to stop the fighting so all the disputes could be solved peacefully Olive branch=sign of peace

6. Fort Ticonderoga Band of colonists led by Ethan Allen made a surprise attack on the fort Southern end of Lake Champlain and protected water route to Canada 83 men reached 42 British troops who surrendered