Bellwork Take a few minutes to (re)read the Declaration of Resolves. Answer the following question: What were some of the complaints or arguments made in the document by the colonists towards Britain? Please return the Declaration of Resolves handout to me at the end of class. Thank you American History Section 6, Unit 4 The Beginnings of the American Revolution Objectives Identify the roles and impacts of the First and Second Continental Congresses Explain how each congress lead to early calls for Independence Evaluate how the battles of Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill, and Breeds Hill lead to a declaration of war. Describe how each of the above battles played out and name the victor of each battle. Quick Review In the last lesson, how did the British respond to the Boston Tea Party? Why were colonists questioning their loyalty to British rule? The First Continental Congress Between September 5 and October 26, 1774, representatives from every colony except Georgia attended the First Continental congress in Philadelphia to discuss their grievances. The congress was not a lawmaking body, but was a convention of delegates to discuss options. First Continental Congress Some delegates of the First Continental Congress wanted to remain part of the British Empire--- others favored independence. The delegates efforts to compromise their differing positions were reflected in the Congresss final resolution, the Declaration of Resolves. Question What was the Declaration of Resolves? Declaration of Resolves The Declaration of Resolves expressed loyalty to the British Crown, but also outlined the colonists rights to the free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures. To make their demands heard, the colonists also called for a ban of all trade with Britain. If their demands were not met, the delegates agreed to meet again in May 1775, almost a year after their initial meeting. King George III reaction For George III, the continental congress was the last straw. In 1774, he informed Frederick North (the prime minister of Britain) that he would not stand for anymore rebellion. Acting on his wishes, Parliament ordered General Thomas Gage to put down the rebellion. Beginnings of Battle In an effort to reassert Royal authority, Gage decided to seize rebel supplies stored at Concord, Massachusetts. Thomas Gage Beginnings of Battle In 1775, British troops left Boston and rowed across the Charles River under the cover of darkness. However, they were expected by the colonists. Paul Revere and William Dawes Alarms The colonists waited along the far shore, watching for approaching troops. At first sight, Boston Patriots Paul Revere and William Dawes galloped off into the night with their warning-- shouting the famous alarm: The British are coming! Upon hearing the alarm, Patriots throughout the countryside hurriedly headed off to meet the British forces. Minutemen At dawn of April 19, the night after Revere and Dawes rides, Captain John Parker and 70 minutemen-- members of the militia who promised to be ready at a minutes notice waited on the Lexington village green. When the British patrol arrived, the British commander ordered the colonists drop their weapons and disperse. The colonists began to disperse, but did not drop their weapons. The Shot Heard Round the World Suddenly, someone--- both sides accused the other fired the shot heard round the world. A barrage of British gunfire followed, and when the smoked cleared, 8 colonists were dead and 10 others were wounded. Concord The British marched on to Concord and destroyed Patriot supplies. Then the British started back towards Boston. From behind stone walls, minutemen fired steadily at the retreating British, whose traditional marching formation made them easy targets (they marched in rows). The Patriots suffered few casualties in this battle. Battles of Lexington and Concord Dawes Route Second Continental Congress With the news of Lexington and Concord on everyones lips, the Second Continental Congress opened in Philadelphia on May 10, 1775. Second Continental Congress While some radicals, such as Samuel Adams, pushed for immediate declaration of independence, conservatives, such as John Dickinson, urged restraint. However, all the delegates had agreed to establish a Continental Army. Continental Army The Continental Army consisted of soldiers from all 13 colonies, made up of the men who were part of the minutemen militias. Minimum enlistment age was 16, but could be 15 with parental consent. The purpose was to promote a common defense, with forces being placed areas where British attacks were high, such as Boston and New York. George Washington Because of his efforts in prior battles, his reputation in battle, good judgment, and imposing figure, George Washington was unanimously elected by the delegates to be the commander-in-chief of the continental army. Washington accepted the role, without pay (except for reimbursement of expenses). Battle of Boston On June 17, 1775, the Patriot forces were put to the test. Atop two hills Bunker Hill and Breeds Hill New England militiamen dug in, awaiting the onslaught of British troops. To save ammunition, an American commander ordered his men with the famous quote, Dont one of you fire until you see the whites of their eyes. General William Howe British troops, commanded by General William Howe, advanced in three bold assaults. This was the beginning of the Battle of Bunker Hill. The British took both hills, but suffered 1,054 casualties. The colonists only suffered 450 injuries or casualties. Battle of Bunker Hill Watch for reinforcements There are going to be three assaults by the British. Question Americans just lost the Battle of Bunker Hill. What do you think theyre going to do in response? Olive Branch Petition After the battle, conservatives worked to avoid a permanent break with Britain. They persuaded the Continental Congress to send a final plea to George III the Olive Branch Petition. It professed the colonists loyalty to the king and asked for his help in ending the conflict. Kings Response The king refused to accept the petition and ordered the Royal Navy to blockade all shipping to the colonies. He also sent Hessian (hess-uhn) mercenaries-- - hired soldiers primarily from the German state Hesse to help defeat the Americans. George Washingtons response Meanwhile, George Washington had plans of his own. On March 4, 1776, he positioned his troops and cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston. From there, the Patriots could fire on British forces, in which they hoped would force General Howe to flee. As expected, General Howe chose to flee, taking with them about 1,000 colonists who were loyal to the crown. They sailed for Nova Scotia. Dorchester Heights George Washingtons Forces Cannon Fire Howes forces fled to Nova Scotia Boston American Revolution Begun By this time, the American Revolution was in full force. Washington knew that, although Howes forces retreated for now, they would return soon. Before that, however, Americans would first have to accept that becoming part of Britain again would be almost impossible and that they will have to become their own nation. Review Objectives Identify the roles and impacts of the First and Second Continental Congresses Explain how each congress lead to early calls for Independence Evaluate how the battles of Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill, and Breeds Hill lead to a declaration of war. Describe how each of the above battles played out and name the victor of each battle Questions If you have a question, please ask now. Next Lesson In the next lesson, we will discuss the Declaration of Independence and the fallout from its existence. Review 1.Who won at the Battle of Bunker and Breeds Hill? 2.How did King George III react to the First Continental Congress Declaration of Resolves? 3.What was the purpose of the Olive Branch Petition? How did King George react to it? 4.Why was George Washington chosen to lead the Continental Army? 5.What was the Declaration of Resolves? What did it say about (1) colonial loyalty to Britain and (2) basic human rights? 6.How did minutemen know that the British were going to Concord? What two men signaled their arrival? 7.Who were the minutemen? 8.How did First and Second Continental Congress possibly lead the U.S. to form a united government? Homework Assignment Please read The Crisis, Number 1 by Thomas Paine and answer the following two questions that are underlined on the handout (#3 and #4).