I. A Call for IndependenceA. Colonists Divided

1. Many colonists were “on the fence” 2. The prospect of independece scared

some

• B. Common Sense• 1. Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine

2. Supported independence. 3. His logic and persuasive writing influenced people.

• C. Virginia’s Resolution• 1. Virginia supported a resolution that said the colonies ought

to be free and independent. • 2. Thomas Jefferson was assigned to come up with the reasons

for separating from England.

• II. The Declaration of Independence A. Preamble

1. States why the D of I was written

B. Natural Rights 1. Life 2. Liberty

3. Pursuit of Happiness

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C. List of Grievances 1. Trying to prove that King George III violated their

rights a. b.

• D. Dissolving the Bonds• 1. Says they’re breaking up.

• III. Impact of the Declaration1. Approved July 4, 1776?????

2. “Hang together or hang separately”- Ben Franklin 3.

• I. Fighting Moves South• A. British Advance

• 1. British capture the cities of Savannah, GA and Charles Town, SC.

• 2. Francis Marion, aka the Swamp Fox, used guerilla warfare to harass the British

• B. Brighter Days• 1. King’s Mountain and Cowpens were

two key victories for the Patriots

• 2. Things started to look up for the Pats after these two wins.

• C. American Traitor• 1. Benedict Arnold

• D. Final Battle• 1. British General Charles Cornwallis

moved his troops to Yorktown, VA.

• 2. Yorktown, VA was on a peninsula

• 3. The French Navy moved in on the peninsula

• 4. Washington moved in troops to squeeze the British.

• II. Making Peace with Britain• A. Treaty of Paris

• 1. Recognized independence of the U.S.

• 2. The boundaries were set for America. Atlantic Ocean to the east, Canada to the north, Mississippi River to the west, and Florida to the south.

• 3. Treaty was approved in 1783. Eight years of war.

Why did America Win?

• 1. Patriotic Spirit• 2. Geography ( new the land)• 3. Good leaders (GW)• 4. Foreign Aid