1. Causes of the American Revolution: Part 3
Objective: How did England’s disregard for colonial complaints lead to the American Revolution?

2. Introduction
Following the passage of the Intolerable Acts, the Colonies came together to form the First Continental Congress where a debate raged on two topics
War or Peace
As events heated up, the Continental Congress appealed to the King George III for a peaceful solution, but their attempts were ignored
With no other option, the founding fathers selected Thomas Jefferson to draft the Declaration of Independence, stating America’s freedom from British rule

3. Lexington and Concord
The intolerable acts placed British General Thomas Gage in control of Massachusetts
His main goal: Stop Colonial protests and prevent war
Gage learned of a stockpile of colonial weapons, sent troops to Concord, MA to seize them

4. The most underrated man in American History
Lexington and Concord
Paul Revere and other members of the Sons of Liberty learn of the plan and alert the militia groups around New England
Militia: Citizen Soldiers
William Dawes:
The most underrated man in American History

5. Lexington and Concord
As the British enter the city of Lexington, 70 militiamen block the path to Concord
During the standoff, a shot is fired that causes both sides to begin fighting
Colonists retreat, British march on
Known as the “Shot heard Round the World”
Significance: First shots/battle of the Revolutionary War

6. Lexington and Concord
Once the British arrive in Concord, all the guns have been moved
The British march back to Boston, but are attacked by hundreds of angry colonists
British Casualties: 250
Colonial Casualties: Less than 100

7. Second Continental Congress
Definition: Meeting of colonial representatives to decide on how to respond to Lexington and Concord
Two plans emerge
Appoint General George Washington to assemble a Continental Army
Write “The Olive Branch petition” to ask for a peaceful resolution
The King rejects the Olive Branch petition, leaving the Colonists with one choice: To declare Independence

8. The Declaration of Independence

9. The Declaration of Independence
Definition: The document signed on July 4, that officially proclaimed American independence from England
The Continental Congress chose Thomas Jefferson to lead the team that was to write the Declaration of Independence
Others:
John Adams
Benjamin Franklin
In all 56 representatives sign the Declaration
Considered treason, punishable by death

10. The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration was set up into three parts:
Part 1: Individual Rights
Focused on the colonists right to pursue their rights
“Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness”
Part 2: The Grievances
Twenty-seven complaints against the British that cause us to leave
Part 3: Official separation
Establishes that we are own independent nation
Social Contract- The idea that people should follow the laws of government so long as the laws are fair and just.

11. Who was left out of the Declaration?
Minority Group (Non-whites, Women)
“All men are created equal”
It should have been “all landowning, white, males are created equal”
The set up of the American Government
THAT’S THE CONSTITUTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!