Ideas Help Start a Revolution
The Big Idea and Why it matters now
- The Big Idea: tensions increased throughout the colonies until the Continental Congress declared independence on July 4th, 1776
- Why it matters now: The declaration of independence continues to inspire and challenge people everywhere.
Second Continental Congress
- Called in May 1775 to debate the colonies next move.________________________________________________________________________. John Adams suggested that each colony set up its own govt and have congress declare them as independant.
- In June of 1775 Congress recognized the Minutemen as the Continental Army _______________________________________________________________________________________________.
Olive Branch Petition
- was a last ditch attempt at avoiding war. many Americans felt loyalty to the king and blamed the violence on the king’s ministers.
- it urged a return to the former harmony.
- It was rejected, and the King declared the colonies to be in rebellion.
Common Sense
- A pamphlet in which Thomas Paine attacked King George and said that the bloodshed at Lexington and Concord was on his hands.
- He also said the time had come for the colonists to proclaim an independent republic.
Thomas Jefferson
- a Virginian lawyer; Continental congress appointed a committee that would prepare a formal declaration that would explain their reasons for declaring independence.
- Jefferson was chosen to express the points.
Declaration of Independence
-
The document that explained the colonist’s reasons for declaring independence.
-
It drew on the works of English philosopher John Locke and dealt with issues of equality, justice, and independence. (Did not address inequality in the colonies ( between different races and sexes. while at the time a revolutionary concept, today would just be a good stepping stone ))
Patriots
- The supporters of independence
Loyalists
- Supporters of the crown