On May 10, 1775, colonial delegates met in Philadelphia Colonists create a “Continental” Army...

On May 10, 1775, colonial delegates met in Philadelphia

Colonists create a “Continental” Army to fight the British

Soldiers from the colonies

George Washington was elected Commander in chief

He was a Virginian Patriot who considered himself an “American”

First major battle of the Revolution

British won but lost many soldiers

A peaceful petition sent to king George in July of 1775 asking him to end quarrels

Published by Thomas Paine

The pamphlet persuaded colonists that independence was the key to a brighter future

Thomas Jefferson of Virginia

To explain to the world why the colonies were choosing to separate from Great Britain

From the consent of the governed/citizens

Rights common to everyone, as opposed to those given by law (life, liberty, and the pursuit of happinesS)

Southerners felt it would lead to demands to free the slaves

Merchants in the slave trade might be offended

They thought it was unfair to blame the king

On July 4, 1776