Notes on Liberty Program 2

Introduction

• Break with England wasn't inevitable for American colonists in the 1770s.
• Colonists were reluctant, loved England.
• British positions hardened due to global empire control needs.

British Reaction to Boston Tea Party

• 1774: Boston Tea Party provoked British Parliament.
• Coercive Acts passed to restore royal authority in Boston.
• Military governor General Thomas Gage and 2,000 soldiers sent to Boston.

American Response

• First Continental Congress
  • Delayed reaction, chosen delegates discuss response.
  • John Dickinson advocates unity among colonies.
  • John Adams travels to Philadelphia, documents journey.
  • Congress debates for two months, resolves to support Massachusetts.

Growing Tensions

• British dismiss Congress's actions as illegitimate.
• British prepare military actions against American rebellion.
• Nicholas Cresswell, an English traveler, describes the hostile environment.

Lexington and Concord

• April 19, 1775: General Gage orders seizure of arms in Concord.
• Paul Revere warns the countryside.
• Conflict begins on Lexington Green, escalating tensions.

Formation of a Continental Army

• May 1775: Second Continental Congress forms national army.
• George Washington appointed as general.
  • Washington leads despite lack of resources and discipline.

Olive Branch Petition

• John Dickinson pushes for reconciliation with Britain.
• Petition sent directly to the King as a peace effort.
• King George declares colonies in rebellion, orders attacks.

Publication of 'Common Sense'

• Thomas Paine publishes 'Common Sense,' advocating independence.
• Proposes radical ideas of government participation by ordinary people.
• Pamphlet widely read, shifts public opinion towards independence.

Steps Towards Independence

• Abigail Adams advocates for women's rights in new laws.
• Congress delegates discuss form of new government.
• Rising tensions as British evacuate Boston, plan New York invasion.

Declaration of Independence

• July 1776: Congress resolves independence.
• Thomas Jefferson drafts the declaration.
  • Declaration asserts equality and unalienable rights.
• July 4th, 1776: Declaration adopted, marking American independence.

Conclusion

• John Adams predicts future celebrations of independence.
• Recognition of the struggle and cost of independence.
• Significance of the Declaration as a political statement and war of ideas.