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Second Continental Congress
Each colony sets up its own government. Congress declares the colonies independent. Militia considered the Continental Army, led by George Washington. Authorized printing of money. Create committee to deal with foreign nations. -
The Battle of Bunker Hill
British General Thomas Gage decided to strike at militiamen who had dug in on Breed's Hill, north of the city, and near Bunker Hill. Gage sent out 2,400 British troops. The colonists waited and then began to shoot down the advancing redcoats. The British troops made a second attack, and then a third. Even though the colonists put up a good fight, the British won. Colonists ran out of ammo. The colonists lost 450 men while 1,000 redcoats were hurt. This was the deadliest battle of the war. -
Olive Branch Petition
The Second Continental Congress was readying the colonies for war while still hoping for peace. The Congress sent the king an Olive Branch Petition that urged a return to "the former harmony" between Britain and the colonies. King George rejected the petition. He issued a proclamation stating that the colonies were in rebellion and urged Parliament to order a naval blockade of the American coast. -
Common Sense
In Common Sense, an anonymous 50-page pamphlet, the colonist Thomas Paine attacked King George III. Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense helped to overcome many colonists' doubts about separating from Britain. Common Sense sold 500,000 copies. George Washington wrote, "I find Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of many men." -
Declaring Independence
North Carolina had declared itself independent, and many Virginians favored independence. Congress urged each colony to form its own government. Virginia delegate Richard Henery Lee moved that "these United Colonies are, and of a right ought to be free and independent States." The Congress appointed a committee to prepare a formal declaration explaining the reasons for colonies' actions. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to express the committee's points. -
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence says "all men are created equal, unalienable rights, and life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The American Colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence. When delegates created a formal copy, they read it to a crowd in front of the Pennsylvania State House, now called the Independence Hall. A rush of pride and anxiety ran through the Patriots. The closing vow: "We mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor."
