Class Update: Friday 10/12/12 and Monday 10/15/12

On Friday the 12^th we learned about the Second Continental Congress. In groups we read about:  The Olive Branch Petition, Common Sense, and Plain Truth. The Olive Branch Petition came about from the continental congress in July 1775. The main purpose of this petition was to avoid war with Britain, this meant agreeing with the King of Britain to avoid any problems. Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine in January 1776. The main purpose of this was to allow the people freedom from the King. Plain Truth was written by James Chalmers. Chalmers was against the idea of people having freedoms from the King; he wanted everyone to continue to be loyal to the King. All of these documents show the diversity of ideas and opinions that are nation is filled with today and years ago.

Today, Monday the 15^th, we presented are Revolutionary Replica projects. Everyone was asked to cut out a life sized replica of their person, explain to the class who they are and why they’re important to the American Revolution. I got Molly Hays McCalley, who was a woman who was awarded for her heroic actions during The Battle of Monmouth on July 28. The Battle of Monmouth on July 28, 1778 was an important battle during the American Revolution. The battle was fought between the British who were commanded by Lieutenant General Sir Henry Clinton, and Continental forces that were commanded by General George Washington. During this war several soldiers were dyeing due to the heat. Molly Hays McCalley received the name “Molly Pitcher” because she brought the soldiers pitchers of water during this battle. In addition to bringing water Molly helped many wounded soldiers. During this battle Molly’s husband could no longer fight; Molly took his spot on the cannon and continued to fight. General Washington found out about her actions in the Battle of Monmouth, He then named her Sergeant Molly. I think that Molly Hays McCalley was significant towards the American Revolution because she was one of the first few women to fight in war during that time period.