Unit 3-Creation of a New Nation Lesson 14: Declaring Independence

Second Continental Congress The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia for the first time on May 10, Many members still were not ready to break away from England, even after the events in Lexington and Concord. There were delegates from all thirteen colonies in this Congress.

Important Delegates Many delegates from the first Congress returned, including Sam and John Adams, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, and George Washington. New delegates who were very well known were part of the second Congress.

Sam Adams Adams was a brewer, unsuccessful businessman, and a political activist from Boston. He was one of the founders of the Sons of Liberty and committees of correspondence. He was also an active member of the Massachusett’s House of Representatives in the 1760s.

John Adams John Adams was a farmer and lawyer from Boston who was very knowledgeable of law and history. He was not a popular leader, like his cousin Sam Adams. Many considered John Adams to talk too much and was accused of being arrogant.

Patrick Henry Henry was a wealthy planter and lawyer from Virginia. He was a leader in the House of Burgesses, alongside Richard Henry Lee and Thomas Jefferson. He is well known for his famous quote, “give me liberty or give me death!”.

Richard Henry Lee Lee was a wealthy politician from Virginia who was a member of the House of Burgesses. He was one of the earliest advocates for independence in the colonies during the 1760s.

Benjamin Franklin Franklin was a Quaker from Pennsylvania, but was well known and respected throughout all the colonies and Europe. He was a member of the Pennsylvania legislature, a scientist, inventor, philosopher, and educator. During the Stamp Act Crisis, he represented the colonies in London, working to get the act repealed.

John Hancock Hancock was a wealthy merchant from Massachusetts who helped fund many Patriot groups, including the Sons of Liberty. Hancock was chosen as president of the Second Continental Congress.

Thomas Jefferson Jefferson was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses who had become associated with the idea of gaining independence from England. He was only 32 years old when the Congress first met, but was already known as a great thinker and writer.

Second Continental Congress They struggled to get anything done due to the different interests of each colony. They began to make governing decisions for the colonies, including authorizing the printing of money, setting up a post office controlled by Ben Franklin, and creating committees to communicate with the Native Americans and other countries.

Continental Army With the persuasion of the New England colonies’ delegates, specifically those from Massachusetts, the Congress agreed to create an organized army of colonists. It was believed that a trained army would be able to be more effective than the colonial militias.

Continental Army In order for the Continental Army to be successful, it would need a commander or general. John Adams recommended George Washington, who was a delegate, but also an experienced soldier who knew the ways of the British Army.

Olive Branch Petition The New England delegates tried to persuade the others that a declaration of independence was necessary. The other colonies, led by John Dickinson of Pennsylvania were afraid of what may happen if they declared independence, and insisted on sending the king an Olive Branch Petition.

Olive Branch Petition The petition was a formal request asking the king to protect the rights of the colonists, which Parliament seemed to want to destroy. John Dickinson insisted that Congress ask for a peaceful reconciliation with England because the king would want to help fix the dispute between Parliament and the colonies.

Proclamation of Rebellion When King George III got word of the battle at Bunker Hill, he responded with the Proclamation of Rebellion. He responded prior to the Olive Branch Petition arriving in England. It declared that the colonies were officially considered to be in rebellion of the throne and government of England.

Proclamation of Rebellion The king also declared that all officers of the British Empire should attempt to stop the rebellion, and turn in anyone that was rebellious so they could be punished. King George III refused to receive the Olive Branch Petition when it arrived to England, and prepared for war by hiring more than 30,000 German troops to fight for the British in America.

Washington Arrives George Washington arrived in Boston in July 1775, a few weeks after Bunker Hill. He saw the number of militiamen growing every day, but they lacked discipline, organization, and leadership. He began training the armed civilians for the Continental Army.

Continental Army Washington declared the Continental Army ready to fight in March He positioned the army around Boston in a semicircle and gave the orders to fire the cannons at the British forces. The redcoats were surprised and quickly left the city and boarded ships, and sailed to Nova Scotia.

Common Sense Although the Continental Army had forced the British out of Boston, many colonists still hoped to avoid a complete separation from England. As some hoped to avoid separation, support for independence grew throughout the colonies. In 1776, Thomas Paine published a pamphlet titled Common Sense, which called for independence.

Common Sense Thomas Paine was an Englishmen who moved to America in Paine supported the colonies fight for rights and independence. He claimed it was “common sense” to stop listening to the “royal brute,” King George III. Pain told the colonists that their fight was over more than just taxes, it was a struggle for their freedom and rights.

Conclusion The Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to discuss what should be done in response to the attacks of the British troops. They made many decisions, including to peacefully reconcile with the British government and to create a Continental Army for the general protection of the colonies.

Assignments Answer the four review questions for this lesson. In your journal, write if you believe George Washington was a good choice for Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army. Explain your answer. You will have a Unit 3 test after you complete Lesson 18