Second Continental Congress

* Delegates met for the second time after fighting broke out, splitting their opinions on whether to negotiate the conflict or declare their independence from Britain

Declaration of Causes and Necessities for Taking Up Arms - called on colonies to provide troops, Geroge Washington named commander in chef of new colonial army

Olive Branch Petition: delegates voted to send an "Olive Branch Petition" where they pledged their loyalty to the King to secure protection of colonial rights, King declared the colonies in rebellion

Declaration of Independence: Richard Henry Lee introduced resolution declaring colonies to be independent, Congress adopted Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776

The Revolutionary War

* Patriots vs. Loyalists

* American Indians tried to stay out of war, but were attacked by colonists, so supported the British

Battle of Saratoga - turning point of the war, British troops were attacked by Americans, British forced to retreat, resulting in an American victory. News of this victory persuaded France to join in the war against Britain

Yorktown - last battle of the war, US was supported by French troops

Treaty of Paris

1. Britain would recognize the existence of the US as an independent nation 

2. Mississippi River would be the western boundary of that nation 

3. Americans would have fishing rights off the coast of Canada

4. Americans would pay debts owed to British merchants for property confiscated during the war