8.3 the fight for independence

• What was the purpose of the Second Continental Congress held in May of 1775?


  To address the colonists' complaints and organize a Continental Army
• Who was appointed to command the Continental Army during the Second Continental Congress?

  George Washington
• What role did the Second Continental Congress play for the American people?


  It served as the representative government for the American people
• Who led the Green Mountain Boys in the attack on Fort Ticonderoga?

  Ethan Allen
• Why was Fort Ticonderoga strategically important?


  It guarded the main road between Canada and New York
• What was the outcome of the attack on Fort Ticonderoga by the Green Mountain Boys?


  The fort was captured without resistance from the British
• What valuable supplies were obtained from Fort Ticonderoga?


  Cannons and gunpowder
• When was the Battle of Bunker Hill fought?


  June 17, 1775
• What tactic did the colonists use during the Battle of Bunker Hill?


  They dug trenches to protect themselves
• What was the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill for the American forces?


  It demonstrated their determination to fight despite being untrained
• How did the hiring of Hessian soldiers affect the colonists' loyalty to England?


  It destroyed most of their remaining loyalty
• What did the Second Continental Congress request in 1776 regarding independence?


  That a declaration be written to state their reasons for independence
• Who were the members of the committee that wrote the Declaration of Independence?

  Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston
• Who did the actual writing of the Declaration of Independence?

  Thomas Jefferson
• When was the Declaration of Independence officially adopted?


  July 4, 1776
• What did John Hancock famously say when signing the Declaration of Independence?


  “There, John Bull can read that without spectacles”
• What was the significance of the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia?


  It called the people together to hear the Declaration of Independence
• How did news of the Declaration of Independence spread to other colonies?


  Riders carried copies on horseback
• What was the reaction in towns when the news of independence arrived?


  Church bells rang and guns were fired to celebrate
• What did the Declaration of Independence signify for the colonists?


  They were fighting for independence from England
• How did George Washington accept the role of commander in chief of the Continental Army?


  With a sense of grave responsibility
• What did George Washington do to support the Continental Army financially?


  He gave some of his own money to buy supplies
• What was the British strategy regarding New York City?


  To capture it for its excellent harbor
• What was the outcome of the American forces' attempt to defend New York City?


  The British gained control of New York City
• Who was James Armistead and what did he do?


  A black slave who served as a spy for the colonial army
• What were Nathan Hale's last words before his execution?


  “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”
• How did Washington's army surprise the Hessians in Trenton?


  By crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas night
• What did the Second Continental Congress decide about the national flag?


  It should have thirteen stripes and thirteen stars
• Who is credited with stitching together the first official American flag?

  Betsy Ross
• When was the new flag presented to Congress?

  June 14, 1777
• What were the key events leading to the Declaration of Independence?

  • Second Continental Congress convenes in May 1775
  • Ethan Allen captures Fort Ticonderoga
  • Battle of Bunker Hill occurs
  • King George III hires Hessian soldiers
  • Declaration of Independence is drafted and adopted on July 4, 1776
• What were the impacts of the Declaration of Independence on the American Revolution?


  • Shifted the focus from rights as British subjects to independence
  • Inspired further commitment to the war effort
  • United the colonies against British rule
  • Marked the formal beginning of the United States as a nation