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Ideas Help Start a Revolution Chapter 4 – Sect. 2

Explore the pivotal moments in American history as the Second Continental Congress debates independence, appoints George Washington, and prepares the Declaration of Independence. Discover the impact of the Battle of Bunker Hill, the Olive Branch Petition, and Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, "Common Sense."

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Ideas Help Start a Revolution Chapter 4 – Sect. 2

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  1. Ideas Help Start a RevolutionChapter 4 – Sect. 2 Mitten – CSHS AMAZ History – Semester 1

  2. Peace or War? • The Second Continental Congress • Second Continental Congress meets May – June 1775 in Philadelphia: • debate independence • recognize militiamen as Continental Army • appoint George Washington commander • print paper money to pay troops

  3. Peace or War? • The Battle of Bunker Hill • British troops attack militia north of Boston, June 1775 • Costly British win: 450 colonists and over 1,000 British casualties • The Olive Branch Petition • July, Congress sends Olive Branch Petitionto restore “harmony” • George III rejects petition, orders naval blockade

  4. Patriots • Common Sense • Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense attacks king • Argues independence will allow free trade and foreign aid • Independence can give equal social, economic opportunities to all • Almost 500,000 copies of pamphlet sold; convinces many colonists • Declaring Independence • Congress urges each colony to form own government • Congress appoints committee to prepare formal declaration • Virginia lawyer Thomas Jefferson chosen to write it • Declaration of Independence – formal statement of separation

  5. Independence • Declaring Independence • Declaration, based on John Locke’s ideas, lists complaints, rights: • people have natural rights to life, liberty, property • people consent to obey a government that protects rights • people can resist or overthrow government • “All men are created equal” means free citizens are political equals • July 4th, 1776 delegates adopt declaration

  6. Americans Choose Sides • Loyalists and Patriots • Loyalists – oppose independence, loyal to Crown for different reasons: • work in government, unaware of events, trust crown to protect rights • Patriots – almost half of population, support independence: • think independence will mean economic opportunity • Taking Sides • Groups divided: Quakers, African Americans on both sides • Native Americans support British; colonists threaten their lands

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