The Decision for Independence

1. The Decision for Independence 1775-1776

2. Introduction • In the aftermath of the bloodshed and destruction at Lexington and Concord, colonial protests against British policy in America reached a new level • Now, provincial leaders had become rebels, and some began to seriously consider the formation of a new independent government and an army that could withstand the imperial might of England

3. Introduction • As delegates in Congress debated what steps to take next, royal governments up and down the Atlantic seaboard collapsed, forcing provincial leaders to establish new ruling bodies in the absence of royal government • As a result, an undeclared war was raging in America by the middle of 1775

4. Opening Act • Siege of Boston • British response and the Battle of Bunker Hill • Consequences of Bunker Hill • Costly British victory • Convinced the colonists they could take on the British Army

5. Breakdown of Royal Administration • As 1775 progressed, royal governments collapsed • Why? – crown officials fled to safe havens or left the colonies completely • In their place, Patriot leaders formed in the countryside provincial governments creating new sources of representative governments

6. Calling the Second Continental Congress • Convened in Philadelphia in May 1775 • As with the first Congress, representatives were chosen by the colonial assemblies • Again, only 12 of the colonies attended, but by September representatives from Georgia arrived

7. Calling the Second Continental Congress • The Congress also hoped to include Canada in their deliberations as well as the British Caribbean possessions • Neither agree, especially as the Caribbean islands come under British military control • Therefore, the delegates of the Thirteen Colonies deliberated at Philadelphia alone

8. Activities of the Second Congress • Creation of a Standing Army - Arguments for and against • Appointment of George Washington as commander • Deployment to Boston • Issuing of funds to pay for army

9. Activities of the Second Congress • Congress was able to create an army, appoint a commander and create a colonial currency because of the crisis in Boston • But, we must recognize that the Congress did not constitute a central government and had no authority • There would be differences of opinion as to what the next step would be

10. Activities of the Second Congress • In the Congress, there was a division as some openly supported independence, while others denounced a split and proposed a compromise • Olive Branch Petition (5 July 1775) • However, another document would state strongly the cause of colonial liberty • Declaration of the Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms (6 July 1775)

11. Continuing Events of 1775 • George III’s rejection of the Olive Branch Petition • Siege of Boston • The Green Mountain Boys • Invasion of Canada • Benedict Arnold • Complete Failure • Conflict in the South

12. Movement toward Independence:Common Sense • Support for a formal declaration of independence from England was still not widespread • These sentiments began to change after January 1776 when Thomas Paine, a recent immigrant from England residing in Philadelphia, published his pamphlet, Common Sense • Paine’s document crystallized the revolutionary impulse in many Americans as he challenged the legitimacy of monarchical government and praised republican traditions • As Common Sense was read aloud in coffee houses and distributed throughout several communities, Paine’s arguments became a ringing call to arms and the push for independence gained momentum

13. Movement toward Independence • By mid-1776, patriots had expelled from their assemblies the remaining loyalists to the British crown • The colonies now moved toward independence from Britain • In June of 1776, the Virginia delegates proposed “That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states…”

14. Movement toward Independence • Moderates in the Congress were able to delay discussion until July • Meanwhile, a committee that included Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams along with two others began preparing a document elaborating upon the Virginia resolution

15. Movement toward Independence • Congress took the first vote on the redrafted resolution July 1 • Four colonies cast negative or inconclusive votes, but the next day brought better results, especially after a full night of deliberations • Over the next two days, the delegates went over Jefferson’s draft and on July 4, twelve colonies approved the Declaration of Independence

16. Declaration of Independence • Written by Thomas Jefferson • Highly influenced by the writings of John Locke • Its opening passages established the fundamental republican principles on which the patriots rested their actions

17. Declaration of Independence • These were, according to Jefferson, “self-evident truths” that embodied the “inalienable rights” of citizens • These rights were enjoyed by citizens from birth and could not be taken away from any ruling authority • Moreover, governments obtained their “just powers from the consent of the governed” and could be overthrown if they violated the trust and consent of the people

18. Independence • However grandiose the Declaration of Independence was, in the subsequent debates the delegates focused on their grievances with the Crown • And now that they dissolved their bonds to empire – what next? • How could the rule of the “people” be made into a workable government? • In the meantime, the Congress had other things on their minds for they knew their lives depended upon success of this “American Experiment”