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. 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. 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. 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.
