The Declara*on of Independence Unit 1: America s Founding Documents
OBJECTIVES: 1. Explain how Common Sense influenced the colonists. 2. Describe how American Patriots responded to the Declara*on of Independence. 3. Summarize the main ideas and parts of the Declara*on of Independence. 4. Cite specific examples of how principles in this document have been used to achieve equality in modern society.
The Declara*on of Independence
I. In what ways did Common Sense Influence the Colonists? A. Thomas Paine wrote an essay called Common Sense urging the colonies to declare independence. B. Paine and other radicals people who want to make dras*c changes in society began to think of crea*ng their own na*on.
I. In what ways did Common Sense Influence the Colonists? (con t) C. Common Sense divided the colonists into groups of people who believed the country should remain loyal to England and those who favored complete independence.
I. In what ways did Common Sense Influence the Colonists? (con t) D. Colonists Against Independence E. Colonists Who Favored Independence 1. Many colonists felt loyal to Britain. 2. People felt they owed their allegiance to the king. 1. Colonists did not owe loyalty to King George III or any other monarch. 2. Colonists did not owe anything to Britain. The BriFsh had helped the colonists for their own profit. 3. Staying under BriFsh rule would be harmful to the colonies.
I. In what ways did Common Sense Influence the Colonists? (con t)
II. Wri*ng the Declara*on of Independence A. June 1776 - Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolu*on for independence. B. The Second Con*nental Congress debated the resolu*on. C. Members of Congress worried that the Bri*sh could hang them as traitors, people who betray their country.
II. Wri*ng the Declara*on of Independence (con t) D. Congress appointed a commi`ee (The Commi`ee of Five) to draw up a formal declara*on of independence. Members of this commi`ee included: Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston.
II. Wri*ng the Declara*on of Independence (con t) E. Thomas Jefferson wrote the final document for the commi`ee. In late June 1776, it was finished. Jefferson was chosen to write the final drac because he was a very good writer. Jefferson would become known as the Father of the Declara*on of Independence.
II. Wri*ng the Declara*on of Independence (con t) F. July 1, 1776 - The declara*on was read to Congress. G. July 2, 1776 Congress voted the colonies were free and independent states. H. The delegates voted to accept the Declara*on of Independence on July 4, 1776.
II. Wri*ng the Declara*on of Independence (con t)
II. Wri*ng the Declara*on of Independence (con t) I. August 1776 - The declara*on was printed and signed and copies were distributed throughout the colonies. ArFst: John Trumbull Oil on canvas, 12' x 18' Commissioned 1817; purchased 1819; placed 1826 in the Rotunda
III. Parts of the Declara*on of Independence A. Part One: Preamble l Introduction; explains that the declaration will tell the colonists, British people, and the world why the colonies want to break from Great Britain. B. Part Two: Natural Rights l Rights that belong to all people from birth, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Governments exist to protect people s natural rights not to restrict or limit them.
III. Parts of the Declara*on of Independence (con t) C. Part Three: British Wrongs (called grievances) l Great Britain has committed many wrongs. King George III disbanded colonial legislatures, sent troops, and limited colonial trade. The colonists asked for justice but did not get it. ( a tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of a free people ) D. Part Four: Announcement of Independence l The colonies are now a free and independent nation the United States of America.
IV. Examples of Applica*on of the Declara*on of Independence throughout History 1. Women s right to vote. 3. Civil Rights Movement 2. Lincoln used it to end slavery.