Moving Toward Independence

1775-1776

Second Continental CongressMay 10, 1775 Second Continental Congress meets. Again in Philadelphia, same building

New Leaders EmergeMany members from the First Continental Congress returned, and new members arrived.

Benjamin Franklin Thomas Jefferson

AccomplishmentsCongress started doing governmental functions.

• 1. Authorized printing of money.• 2. Established a postal system.• 3. Establish communications with Native Americans• 4. Established an army George Washington in command.

Olive Branch PetitionAn attempt to reconcile with Great Britain.

Rejected by George III

Thomas PaineJanuary 1776, Paine wrote a pamphlet called “Common Sense” which advocated independence.

Invasion of CanadaLate in 1775 American forces launched a two pronged attack into Canada.

Canadian Invasion Leaders

Richard Montgomery Benedict Arnold

Montgomery’s RouteTraveling north from Fort Ticonderoga, his men were able to seize Montreal.

Arnold’s RouteTraveling through the Maine Wilderness the route was much longer and more difficult.

Battle of QuebecAttacking during a blizzard on December 31, the assault fell

short. Montgomery was killed, Arnold wounded.

Daniel MorganTaking command of the Americans, Daniel Morgan led a skillful defense so the Americans could be saved.

Boston1776

British general William Howe controlled Boston. Washington wanted to drive him out. But he did not have the artillery to do it.

Henry KnoxA former bookseller, Knox came up with the idea of transporting cannon from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston.

Howe EvacuatesKnox transports 55 guns from Ticonderoga. Howe evacuates

Boston to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Independence

Reasons for Caution• Stability of English Law• If revolt fails—tried for

treason• Fear of Anarchy

Reasons for Independence• Captured soldiers treated as

prisoners• Patriot government could

confiscate goods• Better chance of getting

foreign aid

Independence ProposedJune 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee presents a resolution for

Independence.

Committee FormedJune 11, five man committee is formed to write the document:Benjamin FranklinJohn AdamsRobert LivingstonRoger ShermanThomas Jefferson*Jefferson youngest at 32 and is tasked with the writing.

DebateThe committee goes over the document.

Resolution AdoptedLee’s resolution is formally adopted July 2.

Document DiscussedJuly 3: Document discussed and formally adopted.

AdoptionJuly 4, 1776, Declaration is formally adopted.

John Hancock

First to signSo large so George III can read his

name without spectacles.

Public Readings

July 8, Philadelphia July 9, read to Washington’s Army

Something to Fight ForNow the Continental Army had something to fight for.