2. The American Revolution The Beginning

3. I. First Continental Congress A.Met in response to closing of Boston Harbor (October 1774) B.Representatives Compromise 1.Boycott British goods - peaceful 2.Prepare for battle - war C.Declaration of Rights 1.List of colonists’ rights (life, liberty, and property) 2.Not seeking separation from Britain

4. II. First Shots A.Minutemen 1.Knew the British were trying to seize supplies in Concord (April 1775) 2.“One if by land, two if by sea” 3.Paul Revere and William Dawes sounded the alarm

5. II. First Shots (cont.) B.Lexington and Concord (April 19, 1775) 1.First shots fired at Lexington a)Unknown who fired first! b)Militia outnumbered, disperse (run away!) 2.British regulars (troops) march to Concord a)Couldn’t find the arsenal b)Attacked at the Old North Bridge and had to retreat

6. III. Second Continental Congress A.Represented first attempt at a republican government for the colonies (May 1775) B.Should they seek peace or war with Great Britain? C.Authorized the Continental Army D.Appointed a Virginian to be commander in chief… George Washington!

7. A.Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) 1.2,400 British soldiers vs. 1,600 militia members 2.British twice retreated, eventually victorious 3.Moral victory for colonists IV. Early Battles

8. B.Dorchester Heights 1.Washington arrives in Boston 2.Henry Knox brings cannons from Ticonderoga 3.General William Howe (British) retreats to Canada IV. Early Battles (cont.)