1. 1776 The Biggest Year of the Revolution

2. Declaring Independence In January, 1776 – Thomas Paine – wrote a pamphlet – Common Sense – convincing Americans that a complete break with Britain was necessary

3. Declaring Independence It was a huge success – about 500,000 copies were sold Many colonial leaders agreed with Paine

4. IT IS TIME TO DRAFT A DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence for two reasons 1.He was from 2.He had excellent handwriting -On July 4, 1776 the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence -“E Pluribus Unum” – “Out of many, one”

5. Let’s Take a Look at the Armies in 1776 The Continental Army (Many Uniforms)

6. 1776 During the War about 230,000 served for the Continentals & 145,000 served in local militias Typical soldier was often around the age of 16 and was very poor The Army offered low pay, harsh conditions, and a good chance of becoming a casualty Desertion – abandon or leave without permission - common

7. 1776 Strategy was to play defense – they had the home field advantage Make the war drag on and on – hold on and not lose

8. The British Army (Redcoats – Lobsterbacks – Bloodybacks)

9. The British Army The Biggest, The Wealthiest, The Largest, The Most Powerful Army in the entire world

10. The British Army Well trained and supplied Also had a big Navy – Colonists really did not have one (privateers) Strategy was to end the war quickly in the New England colonies