Terms and People

1. Terms and People blockade – the shutting off of a port by ships to keep people or supplies from moving in or out mercenary – soldier who serves another country for money

2. How did the American Revolution begin? The battles of Lexington and Concord hardened the resolve of both the colonists and the British. Both sides believed their cause was just. Both sides hoped the other would give in quickly. But both sides prepared for war.

3. Lexington and Concord The battles between the colonists and British troops sent shock waves throughout the colonies. Colonial leaders held the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in May 1775 to discuss the crisis.

4. The Congress took quick action to meet an immediate need—defense. The delegates established the Continental army and choseGeorge Washington as its leader. Congress decided to pay for the army by printing paper money, an important power of government.

5. The delegates were divided, however, about what actions to take next. Some delegates wanted to cut ties with Britain and declare independence. Others still hoped to compromise and make peace.

6. These early divisions among the delegates reflected the divisions among the colonists themselves. Patriots Favored independence and were willing to fight for it Loyalists Remained loyal to Britain and the king

7. As many as one third of the colonists were Loyalists. Loyalists often included: • people from wealthy families • government officials • enslaved African Americans • Native Americans Most colonists, however, were Patriots.

8. Yet even Patriot leaders could not agree on the best way to deal with the crisis. Congress extended an “olive branch” to the king in July 1775. Olive Branch Petition Stated the colonists were loyal to the king and wanted to reach a peaceful settlement

9. That same month Congress also issued a warning. Declaration of the Causes and Necessities of Taking Up Arms Stated the colonists were ready to die for their cause

10. King George IIIignored the Olive Branch Petition and declared that the colonies were in open rebellion. Parliament voted to send 20,000 troops to the colonies to end the uprising.

11. The Americans won an important early victory at Fort Ticonderoga, where Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys surprised the British and captured the fort. Fort Ticonderoga gave the Americans • control over a route to Canada • cannons and other weapons

12. In Boston, Americans clashed with British troops at the Battle of Bunker Hill in June 1775. The Americans held Bunker Hill and Breed’s Hill. From there, they could shoot at British ships in the harbor. British troops marched up the hill, determined to capture the high ground.

13. No one knew how the untrained American volunteers would hold up against the tough British soldiers. But the Americans held off two attacks, losing a third only after running out of ammunition. The British won the battle, but lost many troops.

14. Washington sent for the cannons that had been captured at Fort Ticonderoga. After a difficult journey the cannons arrived, and Washington was finally able to drive the British from Boston.

15. Despite these early American victories, the British still held many advantages. • They controlled the most powerful navy in the world. • They hired mercenaries to help fight. After a failed invasion of Canada, the Americans knew they were facing a long and difficult struggle.

16. 6.2 Objectives Find out how Thomas Paine stirred support for independence. Understand the meaning and structure of the Declaration of Independence. Learn how Congress finally agreed to separate from England.

17. Terms and People Thomas Paine– American colonist and author of Common Sense Richard Henry Lee– delegate who introduced a resolution calling for independence to the Second Continental Congress resolution– formal statement of opinion preamble– introduction grievance– formal complaint

18. Why did many colonists favor declaring independence? By 1776, tension filled the colonies. The king had declared the colonists to be in open rebellion. Battles had been fought, and soldiers had died. Still, the path ahead was not clear.Though blood had been shed, many colonists still hoped for peace.

19. As 1776 began, most colonists were neither Patriots nor Loyalists. They were in the middle, torn about what to do. Patriots Loyalists Undecided

20. That soon began to change. In January 1776, a colonist named Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet that received wide attention.

21. In Common Sense, Paine made powerful arguments in favor of independence. George III is a “royal brute.” Kings should not rule over people. Americans should govern themselves.

22. Common Sense became a bestseller, and public opinion began to shift. More colonists began to favor independence. So, too, did their representatives in the Second Continental Congress. Number of colonists favoring independence

23. In May, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution declaring that the colonies should be free and independent states. Congress formed a committee to write a statement explaining the reasons for independence. The statement would be presented to Congress, then the question of independence would be put to a vote.

24. Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were appointed to the committee. Jefferson wrote most of the document, which would become the Declaration of Independence.

25. The Declaration of Independence begins has four parts, beginning with a preamble. The preamble states the reason for writing the document—to explain why the colonists were breaking ties with Britain.

26. To begin the explanation, Jefferson declared that everyone has unalienable rights. Governments are created to protect those rights. If a government violates those rights, the people must change their government.

27. The British government, Jefferson argued, had violated the colonists’ rights. To prove this, he presented a long list of grievances,including that the colonists were: • denied trial by jury • taxed without their consent

28. Therefore, Jefferson concluded, the colonies are free and independent states. All ties between the colonies and the British government are now dissolved.

29. The Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776.

30. Americans still celebrate July 4th as Independence Day. Today, the Declaration of Independence remains a source of inspiration for Americans and for people around the world.

31. For Americans in 1776, however, declaring independence was a serious and frightening step. The colonists were challenging one of the most powerful nations in the world—and risking their lives. The way ahead was dangerous, but there was no turning back. Americans were now fighting to create their own nation.