1. Chapter Five Section Two: Pages 65-70

2. Lexington and Concord The battle of Lexington brought defeat for the Minutemen. Eight colonists were killed and 10 were wounded. One British soldier was killed. The British went to Concord and destroyed American guns and supplies.

3. Lexington and Concord With the lack of supplies American Minutemen did not give up. Over 450 Minutemen raced across the North Bridge and chased the colonists back to Boston. On the way more and more Minutemen joined. Minutemen hid behind trees and fired shots. By the time they reached Boston 300 British soldiers died and 90 American soldiers died. The army of Minutemen was made up mostly of farmers and storekeepers. The colonists had won this battle.

4. Review… Who were the Minutemen? How did the colonists know British troops were marching to Concord? Which American captain surprised the British in Lexington?

5. The Second Continental Congress Less then a month after the Battles of Lexington and Concord colonial leaders met in Philadelphia. This meeting was called the Second Continental Congress. During this meeting they discussed peace with England. War was not officially declared by congress. They hoped for peace, but continued to prepare for war.

6. The Second Continental Congress George Washington was chosen to lead the American army. Washington bravely led a group in the French and Indian War.

7. The Battle of Bunker Hill The colonists had detained the British soldiers in Boston. In order for them to get out of Boston they had to escape and fight off the American militia on Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill. The British took the chance and took control of Bunker Hill. In this Battle the British lost twice as many soldiers as the Americans. King George III was upset when he heard the news of Bunker Hill and his losses. King George III ordered the Royal Navy to blockade shipping to the colonists. King George III also hired soldiers from the German state of Hesse to help control the colonists.

8. The Declaration of Independence The Second Continental Congress sent King George III a petition that asked for peace. Instead King George III sent 30,000 new troops to America. With this the Americans felt they had one chance. They decided to ask for independence.

9. The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson was given an important job. He was asked to write a declaration. This declaration would tell why the colonies should be independent from England. In this declaration Jefferson stated that Americans believed in equality and people had the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Before this was approved they took one of Jefferson’s ideas out. Jefferson wanted to put an end to slavery. That was removed!

10. The Declaration of Independence On July 4, 1776 the Declaration was completed. The Americans who signed the Declaration gave notice that “These United Colonies Are, And Of Right Ought To Be, Free And Independent States.

11. Review… Who did the Second Continental Congress choose to lead the American army? What idea did the delegates remove from Jefferson’s Declaration of independence. Why is July 4 th considered Americans Independence Day?

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