Independence, pt. 1

Lecture on Events Leading to American Independence

Introduction

  • Overview of the discussion about the events leading to independence and political separation from the British Crown.

  • Focus on May 1775, shortly after the Lexington and Concord battles.

The Second Continental Congress

  • Context of Conflict: By May 1775, fighting spread across Massachusetts to the other 13 colonies.

  • Formation: Members of the Second Continental Congress begin meeting, following the First Continental Congress of 1774, reaffirming their commitment to reconvene in May 1775 in Philadelphia.

Role as a Governing Body

  • The Second Continental Congress starts acting like a government as there is an immediate need due to ongoing war.

  • Establishment of the Continental Army:
      - The Congress decides to create a military force called the Continental Army.
      - Leadership: George Washington is selected as the commander of the Continental Army in July 1775.

Size and Strategy of the Continental Army

  • The Continental Army's maximum strength was around 17,000 soldiers at the height of the conflict.

  • Reliance on state militias rather than a standing army for combat against British forces.

Olive Branch Petition

  • Purpose and Intent:
      - The Congress desires peace and sends a message to Britain in July 1775, seeking reconciliation.
      - The document sent is known as the Olive Branch Petition, symbolizing peace.

  • Content of the Petition:
      - Acknowledgement of grievances since 1763 but reiteration of loyalty to the British Crown.
      - Signed by prominent figures such as John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, and Thomas Jefferson.

Timeline of the Petition

  • Delivery and Response:
      - The petition takes around six weeks to reach King George III, arriving in August 1775.
      - King George dismisses the petition outright, instead issuing the Proclamation of Rebellion.

Proclamation of Rebellion

  • King George's Reaction:
      - He labels the actions of the colonies as an “open and avowed rebellion,” demonstrating his view of the colonies as enemies.
      - He promises to bring the “traitors” to justice, emphasizing a desire to suppress the rebellion harshly.

  • Consequences of the Proclamation:
      - This missed opportunity for reconciliation escalates tensions between the colonies and the British Crown.

The American Prohibitory Act

  • Legislative Action: In December 1775, the Parliament passes the American Prohibitory Act.
      - Trade Restrictions: Bans all trade between Britain and the 13 colonies, with enforcement by the British Navy via a blockade.
      - Economic Impact: Abolishes trade with all nations, crippling the colonial economy, with the act seen as a declaration of war under international law.

Implications of the Blockade

  • Blockade Description: The British Navy's blockade prevents all incoming and outgoing trade, including with neutral nations.

  • Seizure of American Ships: British forces are authorized to seize and sell American ships on the high seas, further intensifying the revolutionary sentiments.

Growing Tensions in 1776

  • Increased Hostility: By January 1776, the colonies are aware of the Prohibitory Act and view it as an unwritten declaration of war.

  • Mercenaries in Conflict: The British hire Hessians, German mercenaries, to bolster their forces as they are unable to recruit enough soldiers from Britain.
      - Impact on Native Sentiments: Colonists are outraged by the presence of these foreign soldiers as they are seen as an unwelcome third party in their conflict with Britain.

Thomas Paine, Common Sense, and the Call for Independence

  • Introduction of Thomas Paine: A radical journalist from England who encourages revolution and change, eventually settling in Philadelphia after meeting Benjamin Franklin in 1774.

  • Publication of Common Sense: In January 1776, Paine publishes a 49-page pamphlet advocating for independence from Britain.
      - Core Argument:
        - Describes the cause of independence as the most worthy, stating, "the sun never shone on a more worthy cause."
        - Critiques King George III sharply, referring to him as the “royal brute of Britain,” which emboldens colonists to speak out.

  • Impact of the Pamphlet:
      - Widespread Influence: The pamphlet sells over 150,000 copies in 1776, reaching a population of around 3 million.
      - Cultural Shift: Common Sense plays a significant role in changing public opinion towards supporting independence from Britain.

Conclusion

  • The narrative leading to American independence continues, with the next lecture planned to discuss the outcomes of these growing tensions and movements.