Declaration of Independence

The Second Continental Congress

On June 7th, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of VA introduced a resolution to the 2nd Continental Congress declaring

“that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States…. And that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain is…..totally dismissed”

Before voting on Lee’s proposal, the Congress appointed a 5 person committee to draft a Formal Declaration of Independence

VA lawyer, planter, and slaveholder Thomas Jefferson was chair of the committee

Jefferson drew ideas from VA Bill of Rights (George Mason)

On June 28th, the Declaration was presented to the Congress

On July 4th, the Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence

Immediate Purpose

Win support for independence, both at home and abroad

Weaken loyalty to King George III

Reactions to Independence

Declaration of Independence inspired mixed reactions

Many Patriots sang and danced around bonfires and enjoyed other celebrations

Patriot Ezra Stiles“the CONGRESS have tied a…knot, which the Parliament will find they can neither cut nor untie. The 13 united colonies now rise into an Independent Republic among the kingdoms, states, and empires on earth.”

Abigail AdamsHusband to John Adams who was a member of the Congress at the time of the Declaration of Independence

Abigail wrote to her husband “I long to hear that you have declared an independency-and by the way in the new Code of Laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make I desire you would Remember the Ladies, and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. Do not put such unlimited power into the hands of the husbands. Remember all Men would be tyrants if they could…”

Adams reply“I cannot but laugh at the idea of including women in official political business..”

Reactions to Independence

Some Americans opposed the idea of independence all together

……Loyalists (Tories)

As support for independence mounted, Loyalists feared for their safety

Many Loyalists fled the colonies

Independence declared…. Okay?

Still had to win the war…

Lack of powerful central government made American effort difficult

Second Continental Congress had no real authority, couldn’t force states to supply aid

Because of this, Washington’s troops suffered greatly

Those Who Served

Continentals v. RedcoatsMost of the continentals were young men from poor rural backgroundsBritain’s redcoats were highly trained, well supplied, and accustomed to military discipline

African Americans and American IndiansWashington initially ordered no African Americans allowed to serve (feared revolt)In late 1775, Royal Governor of VA offered freedom to slaves who left owners to fight for British cause

Continental army began to enlist free African Americans

Some 5000 African Americans fought for the Patriots in the war

American Indians knowledge of land could aid either side

WomenSome become spies or messengers

Accompanied troops as cooks, laundresses, and nurses

American Revolution

Battle of TrentonGeneral Howe (British) thought war was almost over, prepared a celebration for Xmas in NY

Stationed 1400 Hessians to keep an eye for the Patriots…(“Let them come…We will go at them with the bayonet”)

Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River at night, surprised Hessians at dawn

120 Hessians killed, 918 captured v. 5 Patriots dead

Saratoga – TURNING POINT

British General “Gentlemen Johnny” Burgoyne staged a 3 pronged attack on Albany

Burgoyne’s strategy failed miserably , 2 of the forces never met up with Burgoyne’s forces

Burgoyne and his troops began marching south from Canada in June 1777, long and tiresome route

Outnumbered and outfoxed, Burgoyne formally surrender on Oct. 17, 1777

European Aid

Saratoga was the turning point in the war for the Americans

Encouraged by victory, France (already aiding the Patriots), signed a formal alliance to help the colonies, declared war on Britain – thanks to Ben Franklin and the Treaty of Alliance

Yorktown and Treaty of Paris

Summer 1781, General Cornwallis moved his army to Yorktown VA – access to British fleet and supplies

French Navy blockaded the Chesapeake Bay

British troops soon outnumbered by American and French forces

Cornwallis admitted defeat – LAST MAJOR BATTLE

Although fighting continued, Cornwallis’s surrender effectively marked the end of the war

Treaty of Paris signed September 3, 1783.

Treaty of Paris (1783)

Great Britain formally recognized the United States as an independent nation

Officially est. the western boarder of the US as the Mississippi River

Americans granted jointed navigation of the Mississippi River

British are to w/draw from their NW forts

No collection of private debt on either side