American Revolution From the First Continental Congress to

American Revolution From the First Continental Congress to “Common Sense”

The First Continental Congress met in Philadelphia as a result of the Coercive Acts (aka Intolerable Acts). Delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies met to discuss their complaints about the king. Georgia decided not to attend.

In May 1774, British General Thomas Gage arrives in Boston to take over as governor of that city. Tensions increased in Boston and resentment spread to the other colonies.

“I know not what course others may take; but for me, give me liberty or give me death!” - Patrick Henry (Virginia)

In April 1775, Gage receives orders to attempt to put down the rebellion. He is told to capture Sam Adams and John Hancock, the leaders of the Sons of Liberty. He is also instructed to seize the weapons that colonists have stored in Concord, Ma.

Paul Revere and William Dawes arrive before the British troops and forewarn the two leaders as well as some militiamen (nicknamed the Minutemen) that the troops are marching toward Lexington.

“Stand your ground. Don’t fire unless fired upon. But if they mean to have a war, then let it begin here. ” - Captain Jonas Parker, American militia

Suddenly, a shot rang out and a volley of gunfire exploded from both sides. The American Revolution had begun. The British troops marched on to Concord to seize the stored weapons. They arrived too late. Most of the weapons had already been moved.

More gunfire is exchanged in Concord, and then the British troops head back to Boston. Colonists hid along the route all the way back to Boston and shot at the British soldiers. Two hundred and forty-seven British soldiers were killed on their march back to Boston.

In Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress meets in May 1775. They agree to make George Washington the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Some delegates were still not convinced of war. An Olive Branch Petition was sent to King George. It asked for the king to try to restore peace. King George refused to read it. As Washington prepares to head to Boston, a new battle breaks out at Breed’s Hill in Boston.

Choosing the high ground, the militia hoped to defeat the British at Breed’s Hill and then recapture control of Boston. Outnumbered and low on ammunition, the militiamen were able to hold their ground well.

It took the British three attempts to gain control of the hill. It also cost them greatly; they suffered more than one thousand casualties. Although a defeat for the Americans, it was a moral victory. They demonstrated that they could stand up against the powerful British army.

The British remained in Boston (trapped by the Continental army) until March 1776. Washington was able to take control of Nook’s Hill by setting cannons on that high ground. The British were forced to leave Boston, and they head to New York.

The push to officially declare war intensifies. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet called “Common Sense” helped alter the minds of many people. “ The last cord is now broken. ‘Tis time to part. ” - Thomas Paine (“Common Sense”)