Answer:
They declared that the colonies were in a state of rebellion.
Explanation:
The British did not know that the Second Continental Congress had created an official army until the first shots had been fired at Lexington and Concord. Â When they finally realized they were up against a well organized army, the British declared that the colonies were in a full state of rebellion against the crown. Â It took a long time for news to travel back then and even King George didn't know the war had started until after a few months. Â The patriots had an advantage in the sense that they were able to organize an army and gather supplies and weapons without the British knowing.