In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine the role of the Second Continental Congress as it formed the Continental Army under George Washington and grappled with whether to pursue independence or reconciliation with Britain. Students also analyze the differences between Patriots and Loyalists, exploring why colonists chose opposing sides as tensions escalated into armed conflict. Key concepts include the Olive Branch Petition, the significance of the Battle of Bunker Hill, and vocabulary terms such as blockade and mercenary.
Section 1
Colonists Divide Between Patriots and Loyalists
Patriots supported independence while Loyalists remained loyal to Britain. This division affected all colonies, with Loyalists including wealthy merchants, government officials, and most Native Americans seeking to preserve their interests.
Section 2
Continental Congress Builds the First American Army
The Second Continental Congress chose George Washington as commander, formed the Continental Army, and printed money to fund it, effectively beginning to function as a government for the colonies.
Section 3
Colonists Prove Their Fighting Ability at Bunker Hill
Though Americans eventually retreated after running out of ammunition, they inflicted heavy casualties on British forces, demonstrating they could stand against professional soldiers despite their limited military training.
Section 4
Patriots Seize Critical Weapons at Fort Ticonderoga
Ethan Allen's Green Mountain Boys captured Fort Ticonderoga in a surprise attack, securing cannons that Washington later transported to Boston, helping drive the British from the city.
Section 5
King Rejects Olive Branch While Patriots Prepare for War
Congress attempted peace through the Olive Branch Petition while simultaneously issuing a declaration justifying armed resistance. King George ignored the peace offering and declared the colonies in rebellion.
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Section 1
Colonists Divide Between Patriots and Loyalists
Patriots supported independence while Loyalists remained loyal to Britain. This division affected all colonies, with Loyalists including wealthy merchants, government officials, and most Native Americans seeking to preserve their interests.
Section 2
Continental Congress Builds the First American Army
The Second Continental Congress chose George Washington as commander, formed the Continental Army, and printed money to fund it, effectively beginning to function as a government for the colonies.
Section 3
Colonists Prove Their Fighting Ability at Bunker Hill
Though Americans eventually retreated after running out of ammunition, they inflicted heavy casualties on British forces, demonstrating they could stand against professional soldiers despite their limited military training.
Section 4
Patriots Seize Critical Weapons at Fort Ticonderoga
Ethan Allen's Green Mountain Boys captured Fort Ticonderoga in a surprise attack, securing cannons that Washington later transported to Boston, helping drive the British from the city.
Section 5
King Rejects Olive Branch While Patriots Prepare for War
Congress attempted peace through the Olive Branch Petition while simultaneously issuing a declaration justifying armed resistance. King George ignored the peace offering and declared the colonies in rebellion.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter