Chapter 8 The American Revolution 1776-1783

Section 1: Declaring Independence 2nd Continental Congress Philadelphia, May 1775 Put together a colonial army Wanted to remain part of Great Britain, but rule themselves Olive Branch Petition Told King that colonists were still loyal to him War was the only option Form the Continental Army Commanded by George Washington

The War Has Begun

Washington’s Army Advantages Problems Knew the territory Believed in the cause Washington was a brilliant leader…from what? Colonists have more to lose Problems Lacked discipline and training Wanted to stay home and protect their land and families Bad pay, food, clothing, weaponry Only 15,000-20,000 soldiers

The British Army Advantages Disadvantages 50,000 soldiers and a powerful navy Well trained and had battle experience Hired Hessians German soldiers Disadvantages Far from home in unfamiliar territory Different terrain

Green Mountain Boys Led by Ethan Allen Joined Benedict Arnold Together, they attacked Fort Ticonderoga Surprise attack Victory Collected ammunition and cannons from the enemy

The Battle at Bunker Hill Thomas Gage British General set up cannons to drive out rebels William Prescott American Colonel marched to Breed’s Hill for defense June 17, 1775 British attack Breed’s Hill American’s had very little ammunition “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes”

Battle of Bunker Hill Continued British had two unsuccessful attacks Americans run out of gunpowder and retreat Casualties 1,000 British 400 Americans Importance: Untrained militias stood up to British army Americans were willing to fight

Declaring Independence Thomas Paine Common Sense Declared that American colonies received no rights from England, only exploited them Called for colonists to use “common sense” and become independent Sold 500,000 copies

Lee’s Resolution Richard Henry Lee Independence or Treason? June 7, 1776 Resolution to declare independence from Great Britain Independence or Treason? A committee is formed Thomas Jefferson – writer Ben Franklin – editor/ speaker John Adams, Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman

The Final Decision July 2, 1776 July 4, 1776 Second Continental Congress approves Lee’s resolution July 4, 1776 Declaration of Independence is officially approved John Hancock signed the document first

The Declaration of Independence Written by Thomas Jefferson Influenced by John Locke Four parts Preamble Explains why it was written Rights of the citizens Colonists complaints about the British government Declares the colonies freedom America’s birth certificate

Loyalists and Patriots Supported ties with Great Britain Tories Prepared for war Patriots Favored separation from Great Britain Also known as Yankees Vs.