Ch 4

1
Ch 4 Section 2

• Ideas Help Start a Revolution

2
The Colonies Hover Between Peace and War

• 2nd Continental Congress
• Met again in May 1775 in Philadelphia
• Despite debate, they agree upon
• a. Confirming the militia around Boston as
  the Continental Army
• b. Appointing George Washington as general
• c. Printing money negotiating with
  foreign nations

3
Bloodshed becomes Real

• Battle of Bunker Hill
• June 17,1775 outside Boston (Breeds Hill)
• British General Thomas Gage tries to drive
  militiamen off hill with 2,400 Redcoats
• Militiamen face 3 assaults before running out of
  ammo Their rally cry Dont fire til ya see
  the whites of their eyes
• British take hill, but lose 1,000 men

4
Still Hoping For Peace

• The Olive Branch Petition
• July 8, 1775
• 2nd Continental Congress sends last chance letter
  to persuade for peace and a return to former
  harmony
• King George III tears it up, declaring the
  colonists openly in rebellion
• He orders a naval blockade of East Coast

5
Power of Propaganda

• Thomas Paines Common Sense
• Written by Paine, an angry colonist
• Urges all colonists to proclaim independence
• Declares British king a tyrant
• 500,000 copies widely distributed and read
  throughout the colonies
• Propaganda inspires many to become patriots

6
Independence!!

• Declaration of Independence
• June 1776 2nd Continental Congress debates and
  organizes committee to draft a document
  proclaiming their views
• Thomas Jefferson chosen for his word skills
• Influenced by English philosopher John Locke
  (people have natural rights)
• Adopted July 4, 1776 the Liberty Bell rings

7
Whose Side Are You On?

• Colonists now had to choose sides
• Patriots supported independence and a full
  break from Britain
• Loyalists professed loyalty to the Crown and
  opposed independence
• This Revolution truly became a civil war as
  countrymen now were in a position to fight each
  other as much as Britains armies