Toward Independence

The Olive Branch Petition - It was a petition sent to King George asking him to end the quarrel.

- The king declared the colonies to be open and avowed rebellion. He ordered his ministers to bring the traitors to justice.

- we must be independent or slaves.

Common Sense - It was published by a Patriot named Thomas Paine. He scoffed at the idea that Americans owned any loyalty to King George.
- It helped persuade thousands of colonist that independence was not only sensible, but to a better futur.