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Declaring Independence. Set-Up Cornell Notes on IN Pages 134-135. Title: Declaring Independence Essential Question: What led colonists to declare independence from Great Britain? . The Continental Army is Formed. After Lexington & Concord:
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Set-Up Cornell Notes on IN Pages 134-135 • Title: Declaring Independence • Essential Question: What led colonists to declare independence from Great Britain?
The Continental Army is Formed • After Lexington & Concord: • Ethan Allen & The Green Mountain Boys (along with Benedict Arnold & his men) took Fort Ticonderoga • The Second Continental Congress met and decided to form the Continental Army & to print money to pay the troops • George Washington was made commanding general
The Battle of Bunker Hill “Don’t fire until you see the white’s of their eyes!” Colonel William Prescott at the Battle of Bunker Hill
A Last Attempt at Peace • Olive Branch Petition: • Sent by moderates who just wanted to repeal Parliament’s laws • Tried to restore harmony between the Britain & the colonies • The King rejected this attempt of peace • “When once these rebels have felt a smart blow, they will submit”
Common Sense is Published • Written by: Thomas Paine • Convinced many people of the need to break away from Great Britain • Challenged the King’s right to rule and helped people realize that the colonies could survive without Great Britain
A Time of Decision • Congress was unsure about breaking ties with Great Britain, however, they decided to draft a Declaration of Independence • Committee in charge of writing the Declaration: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston & Thomas Jefferson • Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration is Adopted • July 4, 1776: Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence • Ideas in the Declaration were based on those by John Locke • “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness” • If a government does not protect the people’s rights, they have the obligation to overthrow the government