Cruel treatment from the British caused the Civil War The American Revolution was forced upon the Americans by the cruel treatment from the British. On May 10 of 1775 the Second Continental Congress gathered in Philadelphia, one month after the fighting broke out. There, delegates from each of the 13 colonies would decide on independence. A Declaration of Independence was required to state why the 13 colonies were separating from the British Empire. With this, POW’s could demand …showed first 75 words of 416 total…

…showed last 75 words of 416 total…pass the declaration all of the representatives had to vote yes for independence. In one of the earlier drafts a statement roughly 175 words gave black slaves independence . The south however did not agree and threatened not to pass the declaration. Knowing that nothing would get done if it was not passed, John Adams gave up the war to allow for that to clause remain in the declaration. The declaration was officiall in effect on July 4, 1776.