The Declaration of Independence The Crisis by Thomas Paine, Importance of this document

The Crisis This was written by Thomas Paine to also convince people to support the Patriot cause. “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot, will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country, but he that stands by it now deserves the love and the thanks of man and woman… Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, had declared that she has the right, not only to tax, but to ‘bind us in all cases whatsoever;’ if being bound in that manner is not slavery, then there is not such a thing as slavery upon earth… Not a place upon earth might be so happy as America. Her situation is remote from all the wrangling world, and she has nothing to do but trade with them… America will never be happy till she gets clear of foreign domination.”

2 nd Continental Congress 48 delegates met in Philadelphia to discuss whether or not to declare independence. The committee was made up of well-educated white men. The delegates faced a difficult decision because there was no turning back. If they declared independence but fell into British hands, they were would be hanged as traitors – person who betrays his or her country Once they decided to declare independence, there were issues about what to include. 48 delegates met in Philadelphia to discuss whether or not to declare independence. The committee was made up of well-educated white men. The delegates faced a difficult decision because there was no turning back. If they declared independence but fell into British hands, they were would be hanged as traitors – person who betrays his or her country Once they decided to declare independence, there were issues about what to include.

2 nd Continental Congress There were concerns Was it too soon to declare independence? With the arrival of British troops and George Washington training an army, they decided it was not. The Committee of Five – John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin- were responsible for drafting the document. In late June, Thomas Jefferson completed the Declaration and it was read to Congress. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign. There were concerns Was it too soon to declare independence? With the arrival of British troops and George Washington training an army, they decided it was not. The Committee of Five – John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin- were responsible for drafting the document. In late June, Thomas Jefferson completed the Declaration and it was read to Congress. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted. John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress, was the first to sign.

Results of the Declaration Patriots rejoiced – in NY colonists tore down a statue of King George, in Boston the sounds of cannons could be heard. The British were surprised by how quickly the situation in the American colonies had changed. They committed to stopping the rebellion forcefully. Patriots rejoiced – in NY colonists tore down a statue of King George, in Boston the sounds of cannons could be heard. The British were surprised by how quickly the situation in the American colonies had changed. They committed to stopping the rebellion forcefully.

Declaration of Independence The Declaration consisted of a preamble – introduction – and 3 main parts. The first section of the Declaration stresses natural rights – rights that belong to people by birth. The second section lists the wrongs that led Americans to break from Britain. Examples: sending troops at peacetime, limits on trade, and taxes without representation The third part announces that the colonies are now the United States of America. All ties with Britain have been cut. The Declaration consisted of a preamble – introduction – and 3 main parts. The first section of the Declaration stresses natural rights – rights that belong to people by birth. The second section lists the wrongs that led Americans to break from Britain. Examples: sending troops at peacetime, limits on trade, and taxes without representation The third part announces that the colonies are now the United States of America. All ties with Britain have been cut.