Declaration of Independence PDF

 Learning Objectives At the end of this lesson, we will; ❏ be able to explain why fighting broke out to begin the American Revolution and the response of the Second Continental Congress and describe the loyalists’ view of the patriots ❏ be able to analyze the impact of Thomas Paine’s C...

 Learning Objectives At the end of this lesson, we will; ❏ be able to explain why fighting broke out to begin the American Revolution and the response of the Second Continental Congress and describe the loyalists’ view of the patriots ❏ be able to analyze the impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and access why congress declared independence and the ideas underlying the Declaration of Independence  WAR BEGINS At the passing of the Coercive Act (Intolerable Act) of 1774, a military commander General Thomas Gage was named governor of Massachusetts. Colonial leaders (John Hancock, Samuel Adams) convened a Provincial Congress In 1775 erupted at Lexington and Concord when Gage sent troops to arrest Hancock and Adams. British soldiers (Redcoats) George Washington who had served as a colonial officer in the French and Indian War was given command of the Continental Army.  Patriots and Loyalists Disagree Loyalists disagreed with patriots because they were scared of disorder Loyalists opposed the Patriots’ demands.(Some profited from the British government while others were ordinary farmers and artisans. Loyalists saw some Patriots activities to be illegal and brutal. Loyalties disliked Patriots taxes, oaths of allegiance, militia drafts and shutting down Loyalists newspapers Thomas Paine’s book (Common Sense 1776) swung popular opinion in the colonies in favour of Independence