1. Chapter 5 Sec 4 Moving Toward Independence
Colonial Leaders Emerge
Colonies Take the Offensive
Moving Toward Independence
The Colonies Declare Independence
The Declaration of Independence

2. Second Continental Congress
May 10, 1775
John Adams, Sam Adams, Patrick Henry, Richard Henry Lee, George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson
2nd CC began to govern the colonies!
Authorized printing of money!
Established a Post Office!
Established Communication Committees
Established the Continental Army!

3. George Washington was the Army Commander.
The Continental Army was established to fight Britain in a more organized way than the Colonial Militia could.

4. John Adams- Lawyer for Redcoat Soldiers of the Boston massacre.
2nd President of the United States

5. Olive Branch Petition Petition- a formal request
Delegates offered Britain one last chance at all out peace.
Assured the King of the colonist desire for peace
Asked King to protect the colonists’ rights.
George III refused the petition instead preparing for war.
Instead he prepared for War=Hired 30,000 German troops to fight along side British Troops.

6. The Colonies Take the Offensive
British Troops planned to invade New York
stationed in what is now present day Canada.
Americans decide to strike 1st!
Patriots capture Montreal!
Benedict Arnold failed at Quebec!
Washington instilled discipline, organization, and leadership in the militia…..
March Washington positioned troops in a semi-circle around Boston and bombarded British Forces with cannons…..
Redcoats under Sir William Howe withdrew & sailed to Nova Scotia.

7. Moving Toward Independence
Late 1775/Early 1776-Americans still uncertain
January Thomas Paine- “Common Sense”
Captured attention of American colonists
Paine called for complete independence!!!!
“it is common sense to stop following the royal brute, King George III.”
Not just a tax squabble but a fight over freedom.

8. The Colonies Declare Independence
April NC to support independence.
June 7, Lee’s Resolution- “that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states…. And that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.”
July 2, Congress voted on the resolution for independence. 12 voted yes… NY didn’t vote

9. Declaration of Independence
July 4, John Hancock 1st to sign.
Largest signature…. KGIII without glasses……..
56 delegates signed the document.
NY- soldiers tore down statue of KGIII
4 Major Sections (pg 151)
Preamble- intro
Rights colonists should have
Complaints against Britain
Proclaimed existence of a new nation