Chapter 4 Section 2

1. Chapter 4 Section 2 American Revolution

2. Decision for Independence: • Frustrated by the British refusal to compromise, many colonists urged for independence. • July 1775: Olive Branch Petition: Written by John Dickenson, it stated that the colonies were still loyal to England and asked for both armies to lay down their weapons for a compromise. • Radicals in the Continental Congress called for an attack on British Quebec. • Results: King George was outraged and refused the Olive Branch Petition.

3. Fighting Spreads: • VA: Two loyalist armies were organized to assist the British. One = white colonists, One= African slaves. • African Americans were promised their freedom if they fought with the British. This angered the Southern Planters because if we lost, they would lose their labor force. • December 15, 1775: Prohibitory Act: Shuts down all British trade with the colonies and set up a naval blockade. • England begins recruiting German mercenaries to help fight the Patriots (Hessians).

4. Common Sense: • Thomas Paine: Author of Common Sense. • This was a persuasive pamphlet which caused many colonists to call for independence. • Paine personally attacked King George III and not British Parliament. • It states that George was a tyrant!!!

5. Declaration of Independence:

6. The Document: • July 4, 1776: A committee of Patriot leaders approved and signed a document written by Thomas Jefferson VA. • Committee of Writers: Jefferson, John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. • This document signified the true beginning of the American Revolution.

7. 4 Parts of Declaration: • Preamble: Explains why the Continental Congress drew up the declaration. • Declaration of Natural Rights: Colonies had certain natural rights that the government should protect. • List of grievances: List of colonists complaints against the British government, especially George III. • Resolution of Independence: Declares that the colonies were “free and independent”.