70 likes | 327 Views
Chp 4, Section 2: Ideas Help Start a Revolution. Class Starter for 10-16-2009 Who were the Loyalists? The Patriots? . Second Continental Congress. May 1775, Philadelphia John Adams: colonies set up own gov’t and the Congress declares independence minutemen=Continental Army
E N D
Chp 4, Section 2: Ideas Help Start a Revolution • Class Starter for 10-16-2009 • Who were the Loyalists? The Patriots?
Second Continental Congress • May 1775, Philadelphia • John Adams: colonies set up own gov’t and the Congress declares independence • minutemen=Continental Army • Actions took by 2nd Continental Congress: • June 1775: George Washington was commander of Continental Army • Printed money • Committee to deal with foreign relations
Battle of Bunker Hill • Militiamen had dug in on Breed’s Hill, N of Boston • Brit. Gen. Thomas Gage sent 2,400 troops up hill to attack • Succeed after 3 attacks b/c militiamen ran low on ammo • Deadliest battle of war • Colonists: 450 dead, Brits: over 1,000
Olive Branch Petition • July 8, 1775 • Olive Branch Petition sent to King George III • Second Continental Congress hoped for reconciliation (but still prepared for war) • Rejected by the King • Issued proclamation • Colonies are in rebellion • Parliament should issue naval blockade of American coast
Common Sense • Anonymous 50 pg pamphlet written by Thomas Paine • Attacked King George III • Argued for independence • Would allow for free trade • Create better society • 500,000 copies sold
Declaring Independence • NC declared independence, VA favored independence • Congress urged others to form gov’ts • Thomas Jefferson wrote Dec. of Independence • Influenced by John Locke: • “natural rights” to life, liberty, property • People give consent to be governed • “all men are created equal”=all free citizens were political equals