Declaring Independence Chapter 6, Section 4

Ethan Allen – leader of the Green Mountain Boys; helped capture Fort Ticonderoga Artillery – a cannon or large gun Second Continental Congress – a governing body whose delegates agreed, in May 1775, to form the Continental Army and to approve the Declaration of Independence Continental Army – a colonial force authorized by the Second Continental Congress in 1775, with George Washington as its commanding general Benedict Arnold – officer in the Continental Army; he helped colonists win at Fort Ticonderoga, but failed at Quebec Declaration of Independence – the document, written in 1776, in which the colonies declared independence from Britain Thomas Jefferson – wrote the Declaration of Independence Key terms

These questions will help you see art as a source of information. 1. Look at the picture (also on page 177). Based on the artist’s view, who do you think won the Battle of Bunker Hill? 2. What information about both armies can you learn from studying the painting? Bell ringer

How did the American Revolution begin? The battles of Lexington and Concord hardened the resolve of both the colonists and the British. Both sides believed their cause was just. Both sides hoped the other would give in quickly. But both sides prepared for war.

Lexington and Concord The battles between the colonists and British troops sent shock waves throughout the colonies. Colonial leaders held the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in May 1775 to discuss the crisis.

The Congress took quick action to meet an immediate need—defense. The delegates established the Continental army and chose George Washington as its leader. Congress decided to pay for the army by printing paper money, an important power of government.

The Continental army is formed 1. For what reasons did General Gage move his troops to Boston after the battles at Lexington and Concord? Boston was nearly surrounded by water. He thought this made a colonial attack by land almost impossible 2. What did the Second Continental Congress accomplish? Agreed to form the Continental Army George Washington chosen commanding general Authorized the printing of paper money to pay troops The Continental army is formed

In Boston, Americans clashed with British troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775. The Americans held Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill. From there, they could shoot at British ships in the harbor. British troops marched up the hill, determined to capture the high ground.

No one knew how the untrained American volunteers would hold up against the tough British soldiers. But the Americans held off two attacks, losing a third only after running out of ammunition. The British won the battle, but lost many troops.

The battle of bunker hill 3. Why was the Battle of Bunker Hill considered an important one for the colonists? The inexperienced colonial militia had held its own against the world’s most powerful army The British won, but more than 1,000 redcoats were killed or wounded Colonial militia lost 400 The battle of bunker hill

The delegates were divided, however, about what actions to take next. Some delegates wanted to cut ties with Britain and declare independence. Others still hoped to compromise and make peace.

These early divisions among the delegates reflected the divisions among the colonists themselves. Patriots Favored independence and were willing to fight for it Loyalists Remained loyal to Britain and the king

As many as one third of the colonists were Loyalists. often included: people from wealthy families government officials enslaved African Americans Native Americans Most colonists, however, were Patriots.

Yet even Patriot leaders could not agree on the best way to deal with the crisis. Congress extended an “olive branch” to the king in July 1775. Olive Branch Petition Stated the colonists were loyal to the king and wanted to reach a peaceful settlement

4. What was the purpose and outcome of the Olive Branch Petition? Asked the King to restore harmony between Britain and the colonies King rejected it and further punished the colonists 5. Why did King George reject the petition? He was not used to having his authority questioned. He felt he had a right to demand obedience A last attempt at peace

Causes and Necessities That same month Congress also issued a warning. Declaration of the Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms Stated the colonists were ready to die for their cause

King George III ignored the Olive Branch Petition and declared that the colonies were in open rebellion. Parliament voted to send 20,000 troops to the colonies to end the uprising.

The Americans won an important early victory at Fort Ticonderoga, where Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys surprised the British and captured the fort. Fort Ticonderoga gave the Americans control over a route to Canada cannons and other weapons

Washington sent for the cannons that had been captured at Fort Ticonderoga. After a difficult journey the cannons arrived, and Washington was finally able to drive the British from Boston.

Despite these early American victories, the British still held many advantages. They controlled the most powerful navy in the world. They hired mercenaries to help fight. After a failed invasion of Canada, the Americans knew they were facing a long and difficult struggle.

The british retreat from boston 6. What was the purpose and outcome of the colonial attack on Quebec? On Boston? Quebec – They hoped to defeat the British and get Canadians on their side. It failed. Boston – Continental Army surrounded Boston and threatened to bombard the city with cannon fire. The British withdrew. 7. Why did so many Loyalists flee Boston with the British? The Anti-British feeling in Boston was so strong that Loyalists feared for their safety. Loyalist property and homes were seized 8. Did the Loyalists deserve punishment? Punishment was fair b/c colonists viewed Loyalists as traitors Punishment wasn’t fair b/c they should have been allowed to express their opinions and keep their possessions The british retreat from boston

Why did many colonists favor declaring independence? By 1776, tension filled the colonies. The king had declared the colonists to be in open rebellion. Battles had been fought, and soldiers had died. Still, the path ahead was not clear. Though blood had been shed, many colonists still hoped for peace.

As 1776 began, most colonists were neither Patriots nor Loyalists As 1776 began, most colonists were neither Patriots nor Loyalists. They were in the middle, torn about what to do. Patriots Loyalists Undecided

That soon began to change That soon began to change. In January 1776, a colonist named Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet that received wide attention.

In Common Sense, Paine made powerful arguments in favor of independence. George III is a “royal brute.” Kings should not rule over people. Americans should govern themselves.

Common Sense became a bestseller, and public opinion began to shift. More colonists began to favor independence. So, too, did their representatives in the Second Continental Congress. Number of colonists favoring independence

Common sense is published 9. What points does Thomas Paine make in Common Sense? Monarchies are corrupt America should follow its own destiny He disagreed with economic arguments for remaining with Britain 10. What impact did Paine’s pamphlet have on the colonies? It was an instant success Helped convince many Americans that a complete break with Britain was necessary Common sense is published

In May, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution declaring that the colonies should be free and independent states. Congress formed a committee to write a statement explaining the reasons for independence. The statement would be presented to Congress, then the question of independence would be put to a vote.

Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson were appointed to the committee. Jefferson wrote most of the document, which would become the Declaration of Independence.

11. Why did colonial leaders choose Thomas Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence? He was an excellent writer He was from Virginia – members knew that no independence movement could succeed without Virginia’s support 12. What is the core idea of the Declaration of Independence? The idea of natural rights People have basic rights that governments cannot and should not take away A time of decision

The Declaration of Independence begins has four parts, beginning with a preamble. Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence The preamble states the reason for writing the document—to explain why the colonists were breaking ties with Britain.

Governments are created to protect those rights. To begin the explanation, Jefferson declared that everyone has unalienable rights. Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence Governments are created to protect those rights. If a government violates those rights, the people must change their government.

taxed without their consent The British government, Jefferson argued, had violated the colonists’ rights. Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence To prove this, he presented a long list of grievances, including that the colonists were: denied trial by jury taxed without their consent

Therefore, Jefferson concluded, the colonies are free and independent states. Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence All ties between the colonies and the British government are now dissolved.

The declaration is adopted 13. When does the Declaration say it is right to overthrow an established government? When it disregards their rights 14. Which parts of the population does the Declaration neglect? Women Enslaved persons Native Americans Jefferson wrote “all men are created equal” but only meant free, white men The declaration is adopted

The Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776.

Americans still celebrate July 4th as Independence Day. Today, the Declaration of Independence remains a source of inspiration for Americans and for people around the world.

For Americans in 1776, however, declaring independence was a serious and frightening step. The colonists were challenging one of the most powerful nations in the world—and risking their lives. The way ahead was dangerous, but there was no turning back. Americans were now fighting to create their own nation.