Declaration of Independence

1. Declaration of Independence Rhetorical Analysis

2. SOAPS • Thomas Jefferson: Primary writer • The writers of the Declaration of Independence establish their ethical standing--that they are men of good sense, good character, and good will--first, by acknowledging that they need to explain to the world the reasons for their actions.

3. SUBJECT • "not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before, but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take. Neither aiming at originality of principle or sentiment, nor yet copied from any particular and previous writing, it was intended to be an expression of the American mind, and to give to that expression the proper tone and spirit called for by the occasion“ (Thomas Jefferson) Formal disassociation from Great Britain by the Colonies.

4. OCCASSION • July 4, 1776 • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • Meeting of 2nd Continental Congress Some of the events that led to the declaration: • Publication of Common Sense • British hostilities towards Americans • (Lexington, Concord, etc).

5. AUDIENCE • King George III • People of the Colonies George III was the longest reigning of the male British monarchs. King of Great Britain and Ireland and presided over the loss of the American colonies. He was a strong supporter of the war against America, and he viewed the concession of independence in 1783 with such detestation that he considered abdicating his throne.

6. PURPOSE • Formally announce that the colonies have declared independence from Great Britain

7. SPEAKER • Written by Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Ben Franklin • Ratified by 2nd Continental Congress Patriots who wanted to break away from Britain