Ideas Help Start a Revolution

Chapter 4- Section 2

Ideas Help Start a Revolution

Convenes in May 1775 in PhiladelphiaGeorge Washington appointed as commander

of the Continental Army. Authorized printing of paper money to pay

troopsBegin to organize around how to

deal with foreign nations.

Second Continental Congress

Battle of Bunker HillJune 17, 1775: British General Thomas Gage

sends out 2,400 troops near Boston.Colonists hold their own until third assault,

when they run low on ammunition. Colonists lose 450 men and British suffer over

1,000 casualties. This is the deadliest battle of the War.

July 8, 1775: Congress sends King George III an “olive branch petition” urging him to return to “the former harmony.”

King George rejects the petition. He issues a proclamation declaring the

colonies “in rebellion” and asks Parliament to order a naval blockade of the American coast.

Olive Branch Petition

Second Continental Congress appointed a committee to draft the Declaration. Committee made up of Benjamin Franklin, John

Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson.

Jefferson worked on a draft from June 11 to June 28

Delegates edited draft from July 2 to July 4Approved on July 4 in Pennsylvania State

House By August 2nd, most Delegates had signed an

official copy of the Declaration. This is the copy held at the National Archives.

Declaring Independence

Dunlap BroadsidesFirst printed copies of the DeclarationPrinted 100-200 copies to be sent to colonies Only 25 copies exist today

When was a copy sent to King George III?No copy was officially sent to King George III

by the Continental Congress, but Richard Howe, a Vice-Admiral of the Royal Navy sent him two copies.

Other FAQs

http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/charters_mural_declaration_b.html