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Each colony sets up it's own government. Congress declares the colonies independent. Militia considered the Continental Army, led by George Washington. Authorized printing of money. Create a committee to deal with foreign nations.
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By the time the smoke cleared the colonists had lost 450 men, while the British had suffered over 1,000 casualties. The misnamed Battle of Bunker Hill would prove to be the deadliest battle of the war.
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King George flatly rejected the petition. Furthermore, he issued a proclamation stating that the colonies were in rebellion and urged Parliament to order a naval blockade of the American cost.
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Pine declared that the time had come for colonists to proclaim an independent republic. He argued that independence, which was the American "destiny" would allow America to trade freely with other nations from guns and ammunition and win foreign aid from British enemies. Finally, Paine stated, independence would give Americans the chance to create a better society- one free from tyranny, with equal social and economic opportunities for all.
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Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee moved that "these United Colonies are, and of a right ought to be, free and independent state
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Thomas Jefferson, known for his broad knowledge and skillfully crafted prose, was chosen to express the committee's points. Jefferson's Declaration of Independence drew on the concepts of the English philosopher John Locke, who maintained that people enjoy "natural rights" to Life, Liberty, and property. Jefferson described these rights as "Life, LIberty, and pursuit of Happiness.
