And so it begins….

Not a unified fight

May 1775, the colonies did not have a unified army or a unified government

Bands of rebels in the different colonies took action

Define traitor

a person who betrays a friend, country, principle, etc.

The colonists, by definition, were traitors.

2nd Continental Congress

May 10, 1775 the 2nd Continental Congress is convened.

Met in Philadelphia

The delegates were something like celebrities

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John and Abigail Adams

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George Washington

Richard Henry Lee

Patrick Henry

Edmund Pendleton

Benjamin Harrison

Thomas Jefferson

Sam Adams

John Adams

John Hancock

John Witherspoon

John Locke

English philosopher Believed all men live in

a state of nature, but give up some rights in order to be governed

Believed that revolution was not only acceptable, but an obligation if the government oversteps its bounds.

Decisions!

Continental Congress decides to organize an army and appoint a general

Most everyone assumes John Hancock will be appointed

John Adams has a different idea and…..

George Washington is appointed general of the Continental Army

Olive Branch Petition

Sent to King George III of England

Attempt to avoid violence and peacefully resolve problems between America and England

George won’t read it

Recruitment Poster

Text at bottom of poster

The encouragement at this time, to enlist, is truly liberal and generous, namely, a bounty of TWELVE dollars, an annual and fully efficient supply of good and handsome cloathing, a daily allowance of a large and ample ration of provisions, together with SIXTY a year in GOLD and SILVER money on account of pay, the whole of which the soldier may lay up for himself and friends, as all articles proper with his subsistance and comfort are provided by law, without any expence to him.

Text continued

Those who may favour this recruiting party with their attendance as above, will have an opportunity of hearing and seeing in a more particular manner, the great advantages which these brave men will have, who shall embrace this opportunity of spending a few happy years in reviewing the different parts of this beautiful continent, in the honourable and truly respectable character of a soldier, after which, he may, if he pleases return home to his friends, with his pockets FULL of money and his head covered with laurels. GOD SAVE THE UNITED STATES

Make your own recruitment poster

Vilify the enemy Glorify the adventure/fun of the war effort Entice men and women to be patriotic Try to be more interesting than the

Continental Army Poster

Your Poster

Colorful Use all the paper Be convincing Big letters Interesting Slogan