1. Chapter 2 : Lesson 2 Uniting for Independence

2. Why and how did the colonists declare Independence?
Essential Question
Why and how did the colonists declare Independence?

3. Colonies on Their Own
For almost 150 years, the American colonies ruled themselves without interference from England.

4. Kings and Queens of Great Britain
James I – (Jamestown 1607, Plymouth 1620)
Charles I (beheaded)
(Interregnum) Cromwell & sons
Charles II (“restored”)
James II (exiled)
Glorious Revolution of 1688
William III and Mary II
Anne – (war)
George I – (barely spoke English)
George II – (“enjoyed” being king)

5. Kings and Queens of Great Britain
James I – (Jamestown 1607, Plymouth 1620)
Charles I (beheaded)
(Interregnum) Cromwell & sons
Charles II (“restored”)
James II (exiled)
Glorious Revolution of 1688
William III and Mary II
Anne
George I
George II
The Point:
They all left the colonies alone.

6. Colonies on Their Own
Then everything
changed in
mid-1700’s.

7. Events that Changed Everything
French and Indian War
England was left with huge debt.
George III became king in 1760. 1 2

8. 3. New Political Ideas
Many Enlightenment thinkers influenced they American colonists
Hobbes
Social Contract Theory stated that people should only surrender enough power to the government so that it can maintain a civil society.
Locke
Government should exist to protect people’s natural rights (life, liberty, property) and if the government failed to protect these rights, it should be abolished.

9. 4. The Stamp Act
1st time England had directly imposed a tax on the colonists.
Tax on legal documents, pamphlets, newspapers, dice, playing cards, etc.
Protests caused repeal but other taxes replaced it.

10. 5. Boston Tea Party Protest against tax on tea.
In December, 1773, colonists destroyed the tea rather than let it get to market.
                                                         

12. Boston Tea Party Closed Boston harbor.
Called this in England
Resulted in Parliament passing the Coercive Acts (the Intolerable Acts).
Closed Boston harbor.
Withdrew right of Massachusetts to govern itself.
Called this in America

13. 6. Impact of Intolerable Acts
Colonists began to unite.
Colonists argued that only colonial legislatures could impose direct taxes.
Committees of Correspondence formed into a communications network beginning in 1773.

14. 1st Continental Congress
Began in September 1774.
Debated what to do about the relationship with Great Britain.
Imposed an embargo on British goods.
British Response:
Stronger measures.
George III considered colonists in rebellion.

15. The Shots Heard “Round the World”
Lexington and Concord, Mass.
April 19, 1775
1st battles of the Revolutionary War

16. 2nd Continental Congress
May 1775
They assumed the powers of a central government with John Hancock as president of Congress.
Organized an army and navy.
Made George Washington commander.
Issued money.

17. 2nd Continental Congress
After a year of fighting, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced a “resolution for independence.”
Richard Henry Lee was the great-uncle of Robert E. Lee.

18. 2nd Continental Congress
Appointed a committee to write a draft.
Committee asked Thomas Jefferson to write the document.
July 2, 1776, the Congress approved Lee’s resolution for independence.
July 4, 1776, Congress approved final draft of declaration.

19. Declaration of Independence
4 Parts
Preamble
Declaration of Natural Rights
List of Grievances
Resolution of Independence

20. Review Question:
Chapter 2 : Lesson 2
Read pages and answer Review Questions on page 48. Hand in Google Class Room.