1. Chapter 6: TCI Declaring Independence
All illustrations courtesy History Alive! or clipart.

2. 2nd Continental Congress
Met in Philadelphia on May 10th, 1775
Formed of delegates from the colonies
Still addressing problem of voices not heard by King
New Eng. Militia in Boston vs. British Army
Who should command the New England Army?

3. Continental Army
Adams proposed an army with a mix of troops from all colonies
Nominated George Washington as leader
Mixed group; little discipline & training

4. George Washington Gentleman from Virginia
Experience from French & Indian War
Excellent character would unite troops
Unanimous decision

5. Battle of Bunker Hill
Israel Putnam led few hundred men up Breed’s Hill
Howe (British General) ordered immediate attack
Putnam – low on ammunition “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”
Took three attacks for British to take hill
British won, but lost 1000 casualties; Colonial Army = less than half

6. British abandon Boston
Henry Knox (Colonial Army) secured guns from Fort Ticonderoga- an old British fort
Colonists surrounded British location overnight at Dorchester Heights
Realizing the British had no chance, General Howe removes troops & Loyalists from Boston March 6, 1776 – anniversary of Boston Massacre

7. Olive Branch Petition July 1775
Attempt to peacefully negotiate compromise with King
By the time it got to London – King ordered “bring the Traitors to Justice”
Even Washington (horrified by thought of separation) agreed enough was enough
Many colonists weren’t ready to go to war

8. Common Sense/Thomas Paine
Paine did not believe they owed anything to King
No benefit to America to remain tied to Great Britain
Trade suffered under British control
Dragged into European wars
Oppose tyranny
Persuaded 1000s of colonists was key to brighter future
120,000 copies printed in a few months

9. Thomas Jefferson
Given task of drafting Declaration of Independence (document written to declare official independent nation)
Youngest member of 2nd Continental Congress (33)
Virginian planter (wealthy)
Shy but great writer

10. Declaration of Independence
All but NY voted yes
Natural Rights:
Rights all people have since birth
Life, liberty, pursuit of happiness
Jefferson charged King George with violating the “sacred rights of live and liberty… of a distant people [by] carrying them into slavery:
Removed from document
Fear of economic backlash if included
Independence Day
Final break July 2 = final draft written
July 4 = approved
Final act of TREASON against King