The Declaration and War
of Independence
I N A P R I L 1 7 7 5 E V E NTS AT L E X INGTON A N D CON COR D L E D TO T HE OU T BR EA K
OF WA R BE T WEEN BR I TA I N A N D I TS A M E R ICA N COLON I ES. I N JU LY 1 7 7 6 T H E
AME R ICA N COLON I STS DECLAR ED I N DE PENDENCE F ROM BR I TAI N. T HE WAR O F
I N DE PENDENCE WA S T HE U SA’ S LON G EST WA R U N T I L T HE V I E TNA M WA R
( 1 9 6 3 - 1973). I TS OU TCOM E WA S FA R F ROM A FOR EG ONE CON CLU S I ON. I N
1 7 7 5 BR I T I SH L EA DERS W E R E CON F I DE NT OF V I C TORY. I N T HE E V E NT , T HE
A M E R ICA NS WON , BU T ON LY A F T E R A P ROT R AC TED WA R .
Warm-Up:
Propaganda
Analysis
 What is
propaganda?
 Why is this a
masterful
piece of
colonial
propaganda?
“Point of No Return”
In groups of three, document on a timeline the major events and
laws leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independence
Write a brief synopsis of each event (20 words at the most) or
include a pictorial representation
Select one event (make sure it stands out on your timeline) that you
believe was the “point of no return”
◦ Explain in a well-formed and supported paragraph why this event was so
important
*Be prepared to defend your chosen event
“Point of No return”
In regards to the American Revolution, the “point of no return” for the non-loyal colonists
was…because of reason #1 , reason #2, and reason #3…the end 
Be sure to include at least 10 of the following events…
“Point of No
Return”
?
1. Proclamation of 1763
2. Boston Massacre
3. Colonists burn Gaspee
4. Stamp Act
5. Declaratory Act
6. Sugar Act
7. Battles of Lexington and Concord
8. Tea Act
9. Boston Tea Party
10. Coercive Acts / Intolerable Acts
11. Townshend Acts
12. First Continental Congress
13. Quartering Act
*Any other events you find pertinent too!
Discontent, Rebellion, and Revolution
◦If someone says it better, let them say it… Tea, Taxes, and
The American Revolution: Crash Course World History #28
◦ While watching, complete the fill-in notes!
Quickwrite
Compare and contrast the economic causes of the
American War of Independence with the Latin
American wars.
**Like a venn diagram but in essay form!**
Warm-Up: Primary Source Analysis
Read…Thomas Paine Talks Common Sense (1776) [pgs. 154 - 156]
Answer the following questions…
◦ Were his views on mercantilism, isolationism, and reconciliation reasonable?
◦ Did his arguments appeal more to passion or to logic?
Discuss
The United States’ Declaration of
Independence
Key question: Why did
America not declare
independence until July 1776?
The Second
Continental
Congress
•Sixty-five delegates from all
thirteen colonies met in
Philadelphia on May 10, 1775
•Took charge of the conduct of
the war
• Create Continental Army
• Appoint George Washington to
command the army
Olive Branch Petition
The War: 1775-6
The Battle of Bunker Hill
Bloodiest engagement of the war
“The rebels are not the
despicable rabble too
many have supposed them
to be…”
“If we have eight more
victories such as this there
will be nobody left to bring
news of them…”
The War: 1775-6
The Invasion of Canada
Hoping the French population
would assist in overthrowing the
small British garrison
◦ Weather, lack of supplies and smallpox
ended the siege
The War: 1775-6
War in the South
Lord Dunmore, with a band of
500 loyalists, launched raids on
Virginian coastal towns
◦ Freedom promised to any slaves
who aided the British war effort
◦ Solidified rebel support in VA
The move to independence
Hopes of reconciliation quickly faded
◦George III and his ministers bent on
subjugation
◦Fighting weakened British-American ties
Common Sense
“Now! Now! Now! At this very
moment must these uncorrupt
and democratic colonies throw
off the trammels of an effete and
vicious monarchy.”
The situation in early 1776
Most Congressmen convinced that foreign aid vital
to their cause—but felt aid would not be
forthcoming until independence declared
◦ Established a Committee of Secret Correspondence to
carry on diplomacy with foreign nations
◦ Exercised sovereign powers—making war, issuing money
and preparing and preparing to negotiate treaties
The situation in early 1776
Congress exercised
sovereign powers like…
◦making war
◦issuing money and
preparing
◦preparing to negotiate
treaties
“Is not America already
independent?” Sam
Adams asked in April.
“Why then not declare
it?”
The situation in Congress
Resolved: “These united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free
and independent states.”
The Declaration
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that
they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; that among
these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…”
Who Won the American Revolution?
◦If someone says it better, let them say it… Who Won the
American Revolution? Crash Course US History #7
◦ While watching, complete the fill-in notes!
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Hope is that a generous peace
might lay the foundation for…
◦ Anglo-American commercial alliance
◦ political reunion
Quickwrite (Please start putting in notebooks!)
Analyze the reasons why the American colonists
were able to defeat the better-trained and
equipped British forces.
How to answer “analyze” questions: Analyze the
reasons why the American colonists were able to defeat
the better-trained and equipped British forces.
1. Think of all the reasons why the American patriots were victorious
How to answer “analyze” questions: Analyze the
reasons why the American colonists were able to defeat
the better-trained and equipped British forces.
2. Organize the factors into three categories…
◦
◦
◦
British problems
American advantages
American obstacles to overcome
How to answer “analyze” questions: Analyze the
reasons why the American colonists were able to defeat
the better-trained and equipped British forces.
3. You will be judged on how you structure your essay and the
degree to which you offer supporting historical evidence, as well
as the analysis you provide
How to answer “analyze” questions: Analyze the
reasons why the American colonists were able to defeat the
better-trained and equipped British forces.
Formatting the essay:
I. Introduction (1 paragraph)
A. Briefly explain what significant factors helped the Americans defeat the British
B. Incorporate analysis (order of importance)
II. Key points
A. #1 (1 or 2 paragraphs)
1. Supporting evidence
B. #2 (1 or 2 paragraphs)
1. Supporting evidence
C. #3 (1 or 2 paragraphs)
1. Supporting evidence
III. Final paragraph
I. Tie your essay together stating your conclusions here—do not raise any new points here!
Quickwrite (Please start putting in notebooks!)
Analyze the reasons why the American colonists
were able to defeat the better-trained and
equipped British forces.
Warm-Up: Formative Assessment