Introduction to Unit Two

• Focus on the American Revolution
  • Overview of the contents and structure of Unit Two

Part One of Outline in Unit Two

• Focus of Part One: Outbreak of the War

Discussion Topics

• The outbreak of the American Revolutionary War
• Actions taken by the First Continental Congress
• Actions taken by the Second Continental Congress
• Escalation of the war
• Failure of peace efforts by the end of 1775

Historical Context

• Transition from 1775 to 1776
  • 1776 as a transformative year for the interpretation and significance of the war

Key Events Leading to the American Revolution

• Examination of the actions and decisions of both Continental Congresses:
  • First Continental Congress
    • Convened to respond to British actions and policies
  • Second Continental Congress
    • Convened after the outbreak of the fighting

Escalation of War

• Increase in military engagements and hostilities between American colonies and British forces.

Efforts for Peace

• Discussion of peace initiatives attempted by American and British officials before the fighting became more pervasive.
• Notable failure of peace efforts by the end of 1775, indicating a shift toward an inevitable war.

Transition to 1776

• Emphasis on the importance of the year 1776
  • Identification of significant events in 1776
  • Introduction of the Declaration of Independence as a pivotal moment in the Revolutionary War.