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The Declaration of Independence: Birth of a Nation

Learn about the Second Continental Congress, the crafting of the Declaration of Independence, its key components, and importance in American history and civil rights movements.

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The Declaration of Independence: Birth of a Nation

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  1. 10/16 Warm-UP: • Name three “grievances” that the colonists were angry with the King about

  2. Declaration of Independence

  3. Second Continental Congress • Met in June 1776 in Philadelphia • Delegates met to decide on whether to continue peace talks with Britain or vote for Independence • Colonies vote 12 to 1 in favor of Independence • New York colony votes against it ( only dissenting vote)

  4. Second Continental Congress • Thomas Jefferson is chosen to write the Declaration of Independence • Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Robert R. Livingston and Roger Sherman assist in creating the document

  5. Declaration of Independence • Jefferson wrote the document at the Graff house located outside the city • Took over 2 weeks to write • Jefferson was not a great speaker but was a very talented writer

  6. Declaration of Independence • The document consists of 4 parts • Part 1: The Preamble - Why the Continental Congress decides to write the document • Part 2: Declaration of Natural Rights- Discusses the rights given to us by God and outlines the legitimacy of the Revolution

  7. Declaration of Independence • Part 3: List of Grievances - Is a list of offenses against the colonies by King George III • Part 4: Resolution of Independence - Includes the formal announcement for Independence and outlines the colonies view of a limited, democratic government

  8. Declaration of Independence • Many of Jefferson’s ideas were drawn from the teachings of John Locke and other political philosophers • All men have certain rights • Right to “...life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” UNALIENABLE RIGHTS • Colonies were no longer bound to Britain

  9. Declaration of Independence • Jefferson’s final draft is submitted to the Congress on June 28, 1776 • Final draft includes language against slavery which is taken out by the Congress • The delegates edit Jefferson’s draft and reduce its length by about 1/4

  10. Declaration of Independence • The delegates vote for and approve the final draft on July 4th, 1776 - Independence Day! • John Hancock - President of the Congress signs the document making it legal and binding • By July 15th, 1776, all thirteen colonies had voted for the Declaration

  11. Declaration of Independence • On the evening of July 4th, 1776, John Dunlap is said to have printed 200 - 500 broadsides and distributed to all the delegates the next day • Contrary to popular belief, this printing with only John Hancock’s and Thomson’s signatures is what was delivered to King George III in England later that year • The names of the other delegates was not published until 1777

  12. Importance of the Declaration • The document declares the colonies independence and outlines the basic rights of all Americans • Abraham Lincoln will use the phrase “all men are created equal” to justify the Civil War • Women will use the ideals to get the right to vote

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