Aim: Why did the Colonists finally declare independence from Great Britain? Do Now: Why did relations with Britain and the American Colonies continue to get worse?

Mercantile Laws All trade must be done on British/Colonial Ships. Smuggled Goods The Sugar Acts Taxed sugar, indigo, coffee, wines, molasses, and linens. Began to question Britain’s right to tax them without their representation in government. The Stamp Act Affected almost every aspect of commercial life. Required written documents to be marked with a British Stamp. Colonies denied Britain’s right to tax them without their representation/agreement. Fiercely opposed, had the act repealed. The Declaratory Acts Stated that Parliament had SUPREME authority in the colonies “in all cases whatsoever”. They began to unite and work together. Resistance groups, such as the Sons of Liberty, formed. Townshend Acts Taxed glass, lead, paint, paper, and tea. Enforced existing trade laws and created new taxes. Strongly opposed these acts. Customs Agents mobbed, tarred and feathered. Boston Massacre occurred. The Tea Act Made British Tea cheaper in the colonies. Staged the Boston Tea Party. (mostly smugglers) The Coercive Acts (“Intolerable” ) Closed Boston’s Port, Increased British control, could house soldiers in colonial homes. Colonists begin to propose outright rebellion. Lead to the First and Second Continental Congress.

The Beginning of the Revolutionary War In early 1775, the dispute between the British Government and the colonists took a drastic turn. Following the passage of the Coercive or “Intolerable” Acts, British military commander General Thomas Gage had been named governor of Massachusetts. John Hancock, Samuel Adams, and other colonial leaders then convened a Provincial Congress to govern Massachusetts without Gage. They also began to stockpile arms and ammunition.

Battle of Lexington and Concord April 19 th, 1775: War erupted in Massachusetts. General Gage provoked the battles by sending troops to arrest John Hancock and Sam Adams. The Patriots were tipped off by Paul Revere of the imminent attack and militia men drove the British troops back to Boston. Result: 200 British Casualties, beginning of the Rev. War.

Patriots vs. Loyalists Most colonists supported the Second Continental Congress and the boycotts of British Goods, they were known as the patriots. However, a large minority still supported Great Britain. They were known as Loyalists or Torries.

The Second Continental Congress Congress assumed responsibility for the war. Middle and Southern colonial troops marched north to join the Patriot’s siege of Boston. George Washington appointed general of the Continental Army. Result: The Olive Branch Petition, King George III rejected this attempt at peace and sent more soldiers to Boston.

“I propose Independence, Republican Government, and a union of new states.”

Key Questions What actions did the Second Continental Congress take in response to the outbreak of war with Britain? What was the Olive Branch Petition? Why did some colonists refer to themselves as Patriots and other as Loyalists? What ideas did Thomas Jefferson apply when he drafted the Declaration of Independence? Why was the Declaration of Independence significant?