MOVING TOWARD INDEPENDENCE

Chapter 5, Section 4

Chapter 5 - Road to Independence

Section 1 – Taxation Without Representation

Section 2 – Building Colonial Unity

Section 3 – A Call to Arms

Section 4 – Moving Toward Independence

Chapter 5 Review & Test

Main Idea

The Second Continental

Congress voted to approve

the Declaration of

Independence.

The Second Continental Congress

The Continental Congress met in Philadelphia in May of 1775. (shortly after the fighting at Lexington & Concord)

The group included some of the greatest political leaders in America. (John Adams, Sam Adams,

Patrick Henry, George Washington, Ben Franklin, John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson)

The Second Continental Congress

Decisions:

Begin governing America.

Form the Continental Army with George Washington as leader.

Send the Olive Branch Petition, one last chance for peace.

Declare independence from Britain???

Common Sense

In January 1776, Thomas

Paine published a pamphlet

that captured the attention of

the American people.

In Common Sense, he inspired

Americans to struggle for

independence from England.

Common Sense

“Until an independence is

declared the continent will

feel itself like a man who

continues putting off some

unpleasant business from

day to day, yet knows it

must be done, hates to set

about it, wishes it over,

and is continually haunted

with the thoughts of its

necessity.”

Common Sense

“With this powerful image, Paine

concludes Common Sense. This image

encapsulates Paine's central point

throughout the pamphlet that

America must ultimately become

independent of Britain. Paine

maintains that, inevitably, the

colonies will cease to be under British

rule, and that the only question that

remains is when the colonies are to

become free. Paine believes that the

time for action is now rather than

later, and therefore exhorts his

fellow Americans to rise to action

and do what he believes he has

shown must be done.”

Explanation by Sparks Notes

Patriots Take the Offensive

Patriot forces attacked

the British in Quebec in

Winter 1775-1776.

In March 1776,

General Washington

led the Continental

Army in retaking

Boston.

The Declaration of Independence

It was primarily written by Thomas

Jefferson.

On July 4, 1776, the Second

Continental Congress voted

unanimously to accept it.

Although, it was not signed until

August 2nd, unsigned copies were

rushed throughout America to be

read aloud to the public.

The Declaration of Independence

Part 1 – preamble

Why the DOI is needed

Part 2 - unalienable rights: rights that cannot be taken

away :Life, Liberty, pursuit of happiness:

Part 3 - list of grievances /complaints against the king

Part 4 - announces that America is free & independent