Declaration of Independence: The Congress creates an Army

What is happening after Lexington and Concord?

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​Congress meets again!

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Just a reminder... ​

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The First Continental Congress was ​held in September 1774 to discuss how to respond to the Intolerable Acts.

The Second Continental Congress wasn't too long after, in May of 1775. This time, it was to discuss the Battles of Lexington & Concord.

Multiple Choice

Capturing Fort Ticonderoga was important to the American war effort

• because it had many cannons.
• because it harbored a large navy.
• because it contained a large amount of gold.
• because Sam Adams and John Hancock were held prisoner there.

Multiple Choice

Who accompanied the Green Mountain Boys during the attack on Fort Ticonderoga?

• George Washington
• George Frederick
• Benedict Arnold
• William Pitt

• May 1775 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania ​

• Divided over what to do next since the Battles of Lexington & Concord ​and the Battle of Bunker Hill

When and why did it happen?

Second Continental Congress

Second Continental Congress

They had some decisions to make...

• The colonies were divided about what to do next:

  • New England Colonies wanted independence, but the others were hesitant

• They called on colonial militias to take up arms (declare war)

  • They officially created the Continental Army

  • Appointed or chose George Washington to command them

• They created a document called the Olive Branch Petition

  • This was a plea for King George III to step in and make things right​

Multiple Choice

Where was the Continental Congress held?

• Philadelphia 
• Jamestown
• New York City
• Boston

Multiple Choice

The ______________ was the final attempt by the Continental Congress to avoid war with Great Britain.

• Olive Branch Petition

• Intolerable Acts

• Boycotting of goods

• Capture of Fort Ticonderoga

Multiple Choice

The Battle of Bunker Hill was actually fought where?

• in Boston

• on Brown's Hill

• on Breed's Hill

• in Philadelphia

Multiple Choice

What did they mean by "Don't fire til' you see the whites of their eyes?"

• Shoot randomly at the enemies eyes

• Fire only when they are close enough to hit the mark

• Shoot over their heads and at those behind them

• Shoot them in the eyes so they can't see

Multiple Select

What were some of the advantages the militia had over the British? Check all that apply

• More ammunition

• They held the higher ground

• They had cannons and more men

• The aimed for the officers to confuse the chain of command

Multiple Choice

What ultimately forced the retreat of the militia soldiers at the Battle of Bunker Hill?

• They were scared

• They ran out of ammunition

• The cannons completely destroyed their bunker

• The war ended

Multiple Choice

Which of these best describes the outcome of the Battle of Bunker Hill?

• The British won decisively.

• The militia won by a narrow margin.

• The militia surrendered to the British.

• The British won but suffered many losses.

​https://youtu.be/qdFxPKXb8u8

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copy the link and pass it into your browser to watch the video​

Multiple Choice

Who was put in charge of the Continental Army? 

• Abraham Lincoln
• Alexander Hamilton
• George Washington
• Benjamin Franklin

Audio Response

Why was George Washington chosen to be a military leader?

Open Audio Recorder

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​Olive Branch Petition

​The 2nd Continental Congress sent a letter to the King of England to extend an olive branch of peace. The king had already decided war was the only way to resolve the unruly colonies.

How did King George respond?​

• The colonists professed loyalty to the crown (yeah, you read that right!)

• They begged King George to stop all ​future violence between the Patriots & the Loyalists

  • King George refused because of the British victory at Bunker Hill ​

• In August of 1775, King George III officially claimed the colonies to be in rebellion

• It was adopted by the Continental Congress in July of 1775

• It was a final attempt to avoid war with Britain ​

What was it?

A bit more about the Olive Branch Petition...