Road to Independence

First Contenental Congress meets

Sep 5, 1774

All colonies but Georgia have representatives.
Voted to send a "statement of grievances."
Voted to Boycott all British trade.
Patrick Henry - VA rep. urged colonists to unite against Britain.

Second Continental Congress meet

May 10, 1775

Print $$$$
Set up post office
Created continental army led by George Washington
Sent Olive Branch asking King to portect their rights
King hires 30,000 Hessians soldiers in response

Washington arrives on the outskirts of Boston with continental troops

Jul 15, 1775

Realizes men are disorganized & need discipline
Need weapons

"Common sense" published by Thomas Paine

Jan 10, 1776

pamphlet inspires more colonists to become patriots
"Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for seperation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART" - Thomas Paine, Common Sense

British Surender Boston

Mar 17, 1776

Washington believes his army is ready & weapons arrive
Washington puts cannons on Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston
BRITISH retreat-- AMERICAN Victory

Second Continental Congress Meets Again

Jun 15, 1776

Debate on declaring independence
Thomas Jefferson is the primary author of the document

Second continental congress votes for independence

Jul 2, 1776

all 13 colonies vote YES on declaring independence