Declaring Independence Chapter 5 Lesson 4

Essential Question & Learning Goal What motivates people to act? Learning Goal: Students will be able to compare points of view held by Patriots and Loyalists, evaluate the reaction of the colonies to the rejection of the Olive Branch Petition, summarize the steps taken that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence, and understand the four parts of the Declaration of Independence.

The Second Continental Congress May 10, 1775 John Adams, Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin are all present John Hancock is chosen at the president of the Congress

Key Actions Congress decisions: Print own money, Communicate with Indians for better relationship Create Continental Army Washington is General Set up a Post Office Write Olive Branch Petition Offer of peace and independence from Great Britain by the colonists.

Key Actions In response to the Olive Branch Petition King George III sends 12,000 German troops to the colonies Called Hessians- mercenary soldiers

The War Heats Up Patriots learned British in Canada planned to invade New York. Americans strike first- capture Montreal Americans failed to capture Quebec- Led by Benedict Arnold

The War Heats Up July 1775 British hold Boston but Patriot militias are still outside the city Washington realizes his men are disorganized and lacked discipline March 1776- After some training Washington believes his men are ready to fight and moves them at night to attack British in Boston

The War Heats Up British realize they are going to be attacked And leave Boston March 17, 1776 Washington leads his troops into Boston to find the British troops had sailed away.

Moving Toward Independence Some colonists wanted to stay with Great Britain but more and more wanted independence. Thomas Paine encouraged colonists to support independence. Author of Common Sense Told the colonists to United against the British It is common sense to be a Patriot and independent

Writing the Declaration Second Continental Congress Debated whether the colonies should remain with Britain or declare independence A committee of colonists wrote the Declaration while the Congress still debated John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman were on the committee Jefferson wrote the first draft Used ideas from John Locke

Writing the Declaration Jefferson explained why the colonies were declaring freedom Ideas of life, liberty, property; governments exist to protect the rights of the people Four Parts I: Preamble- Intro R: Declaration of Natural Rights C: List of Grievances (complaints) D: Declaration of a new nation- the states now had the power to wage war

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Writing the Declaration July 2, 1776 Second Continental Congress voted to become independent 12/13 colonies voted New York did not vote but later announced support July 4, 1776 The Declaration was approved with a few changes John Hancock signed first 56 people signed Copies were printed and sent to colonies