I. The First Shot Is Fired
A. The British sent soldiers to hunt for hidden colonial weapons.
B. Fighting breaks out between the British and Minutemen on the Lexington
C. The British retreat to Boston after losses at North Bridge in Concord
II. The Continental Congress MeetsA. Congress prepares for war by organizing an army, issuing paper money, setting up a commission to keep peace with the Indians, and looking for support from other European countries.
B. Congress issues the Olive Branch Petition, but King George rejects the colonists' requests.
III. The Colonists Declare Independence
A. Thomas Paine's book called Common Sense persuades many Americans to fight for independence.
B. Thomas Jefferson writes the Declaration of Independence.
C. Congress votes to accept the Declaration on July 4, 1776.
