Fighting Begins in the North

Lexington and Concord News spreads quickly 10,000-15,000 militia rushed towards Boston

Second Continental Congress Convenes in Philadelphia on June 10, 1775. Did not convene with the idea that they were going to split with England The fighting Spread

Olive Branch Petition A petition sent to King George III. Declared loyalty to the King Asked him to repeal Intolerable Acts

He thinks the colonists want to create independent empire King George Reacts He thinks the colonists want to create independent empire Orders 20,000 more troops to region

Green Mountain Boys Leader Ethan Allen…(yes the furniture guy) really a blacksmith…led a group from Vermont

Ethan Allen

LEADS AN ATTACK ON FORT TICONFEROGA

Fort Ticonderoga Green Mountain Boys overpower guard on duty They rush to room where British commander is and Ethan Allen says “Come out you old rat!”

When asked by whose authority, he answers “In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!”

What they win… Supply of cannons and gunpowder Control of a key route into Canada.

Continental Army Forms Congress forms Continental Army in June Washington becomes commander He takes off for Boston

P’s Advantages Many owned rifles and were good shots Good commanders like George Washington Determined to fight to defend their homes and property

British Advantages Highly trained, experienced troops Best Navy in the World Many colonists supported British

Colonists poorly organized and untrained P’s Disadvantages Colonists poorly organized and untrained Few Cannons and little gunpowder No navy Few colonists willing to leave home militias and join Continental Army.

British Disadvantages Armies 3,000 miles from home News and supplies took months to come from Britain British soldiers risked attacks outside cities.

Loyalists Colonists who remained loyal to Britain Included wealthy merchants and former officials of Royal government

Loyalists Some farmers and craftworkers also loyalists. Mostly from middle and South

Loyalists Tarred and feathered by P’s Many fled to Canada, England, or to British controlled cities When they fled, they would lose their homes, farms, and stores

Fight for Boston Battle of Bunker Hill

Boston During the first year, 6000 British troops were located in Boston. Colonists surrounded the city, wouldn’t let them out

Battle of Bunker Hill On June 16, 1775, Colonel William Prescott led 1,200 minutemen up Bunker Hill across river from Boston. Reason: They could fire at British ships in Boston Harbor.

Breed’s Hill Prescott notices nearby Breed’s Hill is better so he sends troops there British General William Howe sees the Americans at sunrise.

Breed’s Hill He ferries 2400 redcoats to attack rebels positions. As British approached, Patriots held their fire When they finally fired, the British were first to retreat.

British Win The strategy of the Americans, because they were low on gun powder was not to fire “until you see the whites of their eyes.” After the third try, the British take Breed’s Hill and Bunker Hill.

Their high price for victory More than 1000 Redcoats were dead or wounded. Americans numbered 400 dead or wounded.

RESULTS Battle of Bunker Hill first major battle of Revolutionary War American proved they could fight bravely. British proved they would not be defeated easily.

George Washington Arrives Arrives in Boston a few weeks after battle of Bunker Hill. He quickly turns raw recruits into an army. Soldiers from different colonies mistrusted one another but Washington won loyalty of his troops

Cannons Arrive In January 1776, the cannons arrive from Fort Ticonderoga. Washington places them in plain site overlooking Boston Harbor.

British Depart General Howe moves his troops and 1,000 loyalists from Boston to Halifax, Canada in March.

BLOCKADE King George III ordered a blockade of all colonial ports. The King uses mercenaries, or troops for hire, from Germany to help fight the colonists. They are called Hessians

Declaration of Independence

It’s Common Sense

Common Sense Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine Purpose was to tell the colonists that it was time to make the break. Published January 1776, 500,000 copies sold within 6 months.

Colonists did not owe loyalty to King George III. Very idea of having Kings or Queens was wrong. Colonists owed nothing to Britain. They helped colonists only for their own profits. Ridiculous country 3,000 miles away to rule a continent (British Colonies)

Common Sense Paine wrote that people should rule themselves. “A government of our own is a natural right.” “Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. … ‘Tis time to part.”

Richard Henry Lee, from Virginia introduced a resolution in favor of independence in June 7, 1776. “…these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States. ”

SHOULD THEY BREAK? If they declared independence, they were traitors. Traitor – a person who betrays his country. PENALTY: DEATH BY HANGING

Committee of 5 Thomas Jefferson, VA Benjamin Franklin, PA John Adams, MA Robert Livingston, NY Roger Sherman, CT

John Hancock President of 2nd Continental Congress Signed Declaration of Independence First He said that King George will be able to see his signature without his glasses

July 2, 1776 Vote to make colonies “free and independent states” Some changes were made.

July 4, 1776 John Hancock signed document on that date

Different parts of the Declaration Preamble – introduction – Explains why the document was written “…they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

Natural Rights Rights belonging to all people from birth – unalienable/natural (based on Locke) Life Liberty Pursuit of Happiness

Natural Rights Governments can only exist if they have the “consent of the governed” If government fails to protect the rights, then people have the duty to overthrow the government and replace it.

Grievances/British Wrongs Quartering British soldiers in colonists’ homes Cutting off trade with all parts of the world Imposing taxes without representation in Parliament Hiring Hessians to fight against the colonists

Independence Last part is the actual Declaration of Independence. Have the power to declare war, set up trade, and make treaties.

Closing They closed the Declaration with a solemn pledge, pledging their lives, fortune, and sacred honor.