The Movement Towards Independence The Second Continental Congress

The Movement Towards Independence

The Second Continental Congress • In May, 1775 colonial leaders met in the Second Continental Congress to decide their next move. • They decided to appoint George Washington as commander of the Continental Army. • After much debate, they reached out to the King in hopes of reaching a peaceful solution to this conflict. • This was called the “Olive Branch Petition” and the King rejected it. America had to fight the war.

The Patriots Declare their Independence n When war with Great Britain became inevitable, a movement to declare independence from the King began. n Thomas Paine wrote “Common Sense” to convince colonists that it was time to separate from Great Britain. n By early summer 1776, Thomas Jefferson starting writing the Declaration of Independence

Historical and Intellectual Influences on the

Absolutism -system of government in which ruler has absolute (total) power -common in Europe in the 1600 s

Enlightenment: intellectual movement that stressed reason and the power of individuals to solve problems

John Locke British philosopher (thinker) who believed that

n people can learn from experience and improve themselves n people have a natural ability to govern themselves n absolute monarchy (rule by king or queen) is wrong n people are born equal and free n people are born with three natural rights

Natural Rights n. People have the right to Life Liberty (freedom) Property

Purpose of Government according to Locke: n To protect people’s natural rights. – If government fails to protect your rights, - people can overthrow (get rid of) the government.

Baron de Montesquieu n French thinker/writer who studied political liberty

n Thought that Britain had the best, most balanced government: King & ministers held executive power (carried out laws). 2. Parliament held legislative power (made laws). 3. Judges held judicial power (interpreted laws). 1.

Separation of Powers n Division of power among different branches of government n Montesquieu believed it would keep any one person or group from gaining total control of the government.

Checks and Balances n. Procedures designed to prevent any one branch of government from dominating others n“Power should be a check to power. ”

Influence on America n Locke’s belief that a government’s power came from the consent of the people (this is the foundation of democracy). n Government by popular consent and the right to rebel against unjust rulers helped inspire the American Revolution. n Montesquieu’s ideas about separation of powers and checks and balances became the basis of the U. S. Constitution.