CHAPTER 4 SECTION 2 Declaring Independence The Battles

CHAPTER 4 SECTION 2 Declaring Independence

The Battles of Lexington and Concord April 19, 1775 � Causes - Governor Thomas Gage sends troops to arrest John Hancock and Samuel Adams - wanted to seize Patriot weapons stockpiled

The Battles of Lexington and Concord � Militia Formed - local Patriots rally together - consisted of full-time farmers, part-time soldiers, etc. � Who warned the colonists that the British were coming? - Page 108

Second Continental Congress � May 1775 - Delegates from all colonies meet in Philadelphia - George Washington given command of the new Continental Army � July 1775 - Olive Branch Petition - reaffirmed allegiance to King George III but not to Parliament - King rejected and sent more troops

Patriots and Loyalists Disagree Graphic Organizer � Patriots (pgs. 98 -105) - List at least 10 reasons why Patriots believed they were right in going against the King - Draw symbol � Loyalists (pgs. 110111) - List at least 10 reasons why Loyalists believed they should remain loyal to the King - Draw symbol

Opinion Swings Toward Independence � Thomas Paine - Common Sense - independence from Britain - republican state governments - union of the new states *Paine depicted the King, rather than Parliament, as the greatest enemy of American liberty

Colonists Declare Independence � Declaration of Independence ( July 4, 1776) - drafted by Thomas Jefferson - announced American independence and listed reasons why (grievances) - main ideas: ‘all men are created equal’ and ‘unalienable rights. ’