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Copy this chart onto the bottom half of NB p. 27. Section 6.4: Declaring Independence. Today we will trace the events that led the colonies to declare their independence from Britain. Vocabulary. monarchy – rule by a king or queen
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Section 6.4: Declaring Independence Today we will trace the events that led the colonies to declare their independence from Britain.
Vocabulary • monarchy – rule by a king or queen • committee – group of people appointed to perform a specific service or task • unalienable – cannot be taken away
Check for Understanding • What are going to do today? • Why is it incorrect to describe the United States as a monarchy? • Why is important that our Constitution gives you rights that are unalienable?
What We Already Know The British king George III rejected Congress’ last appeal for peace, the ‘Olive Branch Petition,’ and sent more military units to America in 1775 to punish the colonies.
What We Already Know By 1776, colonial forces had already fought against British soldiers at Lexington, Concord, Fort Ticonderoga, Bunker Hill, and Quebec.
What We Already Know By 1776, a number of Americans were divided between those committed to independence, and an equal number wanted to remain loyal to the British Empire.
B tell A • What are Loyalists? • Be sure to re-state the question in your response!
Common Sense Is Published • In early 1776, most Americans still wanted to be a part of Britain. • Thomas Paine’s Common Sense helped to change their minds.
Common Sense Is Published Paine argued that all kings and queens were dishonest and that independence would be better for the American economy.
Common Sense Is Published • Common Sense sold more than 100,000 copies in three months and was read by millions. • Many people began to support independence after reading it.
19. What was Common Sense important? • It inspired Washington’s men to continue fighting the British. • It recognized all the people who played a role in the fight for independence, not just military and political leaders. • It listed all the crimes that Parliament had inflicted on the colonies through its troops. • It convinced Americans that a complete break with Britain was necessary. • It convinced Parliament that its troops could not win the Revolutionary War.
How does Thomas Paine describe all monarchies in Common Sense? • All kings and queens rule by the will of God. • All kings and queens are too stupid to rule well. • All kings and queens are dishonest and corrupt. • All kings and queens work for the benefit of their people.
To make an alliance with France or Spain To make themselves independent from Britain To sell their products on the open market, without going through Britain To work out a non–violent solution to their difficulties with Parliament What does Paine urge the colonies to do in Common Sense?
What impact did Common Sense have on colonial public opinion? • It helped Americans under–stand the Declaration of Independence. • Many people began to support independence after reading it. • It caused many Loyalists to change sides and become Patriots. • Many colonists came to better understand Parliament’s reasons for taxing them. Thomas Paine
A Time of Decision • June 7, 1776 - Richard Henry Lee of Virginia called for an end to all political ties between the colonies and Britain. • Congress set up a committee of five men to write a Declaration of Independence, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin.
A Time of Decision The committee assigned Thomas Jefferson the job of writing the Declaration.
A Time of Decision • On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress passed Lee’s resolution. • The colonies now considered themselves independent.
A tell B • Who wrote the Declaration of Independence? • Be sure to re-state the question in your response!
The Declaration Is Adopted • Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. • The Declaration contained John Locke’s ideas that people have certain natural rights that a government cannot take away.
The Declaration Is Adopted • Jefferson began with a statement of several ‘self-evident’ truths, meaning that they were obvious to everyone. • He first declared that all men were created equal, and were given certain rights by God that could not be taken away. • These unalienable rights included life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Declaration Is Adopted • Jefferson stated that governments exist to protect the rights of their people, and that they get their power to rule from the consent of the people. • He further explained that a government that doesn’t protect the rights of its citizens it loses its right to govern. • The people then have the right to change the government.
The Declaration Is Adopted The Declaration also listed the reasons for breaking with Britain and then declared the colonies to be independent states. King George III
20. What self–evident truths does Jefferson list in the Declaration of Independence? • People have a right to freedom of speech and religion. • All men are created equal. • Kings get their power to rule from God. • All men are endowed with certain unalienable rights. • The people have a right to abolish a gov- ernment that doesn't protect their rights. Choose all that are true!
21. According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the purpose of government? • To protect people's rights or natural condition of freedom • To help people find what they want to do in life • To protect people from harm and make them feel secure • To create opportunities for people and improve their lives
22. What did Jefferson think should happen to a government that does not protect people’s rights? • Such a government should be changed or overthrown by the people. • New elections must be held. • The government should be obeyed anyway, so that order is maintained. • The government should be criticized in pamphlets and newspapers.
23. What three ‘unalienable rights’ are mentioned in the Declaration of Independence? • Right to life • Right to vote • Right to pursue property • Right to liberty • Right to pursue happiness • Right to racial equality
