Ideas Behind the Revolution

Essential Questions What was the importance of Thomas Paine's Common Sense? What ideas and arguments are presented in the Declaration of Independence? What advice did Abigail Adams give her husband regarding the Declaration? Ch. 4-3 Pp. 118-122

Key Terms Common Sense Second Continental Congress Olive Branch Petition Declaration of Independence Enlightenment preamble natural rights rule of law

Common Sense A lot of work went into trying to unite the colonists behind the idea of independence. One of the writers working for the rebels was Thomas Paine. In plain English that uneducated farmers could understand, Paine explained the rebels' argument.

Common Sense Paine says that all men are created equal and there is no difference between kings and men, citing Bible verses as proof. He proposes they, the people, write a constitution. He suggest a bunch of reasons why the colonies should not be ruled by Britain. He explains why he believes that the colonies can beat Britain in a fight.

Common Sense The impact was huge : Because it was written for a large audience, it encouraged regular people to have a conversation about government. Before Common Sense, only a few radicals really thought independence was a good idea. Afterwards, a much larger portion of the population began to think about independence.

Declaration of Independence Common Sense came out when representatives of the colonies were meeting in Philadelphia. This Second Continental Congress met in May of 1775, shortly after Lexington and Concord. This 2nd Congress included Benjamin Franklin (PA), John Hancock (MA), and Thomas Jefferson (VA).

Declaration of Independence In July, the Congress sent the Olive Branch Petition to King George III, pledging loyalty to Britain, but asking to negotiate trade and tax laws. The petition was rejected by the king, and in June of 1776 Congress began working on both the Declaration of Independence and a plan for government. The committee that would write the declaration included Jefferson, John Adams, and Franklin.

Declaration of Independence Jefferson created four parts: The preamble, or introduction. A declaration of rights. A list of complaints against the king. A resolution of independence.

Declaration of Independence The “preamble” laid out the purpose of the document. The “declaration of rights” included the idea that people have natural rights. These rights are not granted by a king or a government. Jefferson calls them “unalienable,” meaning they cannot be taken away.

Declaration of Independence The “complaints” section listed the things Congress considered illegal or wrong that the British government had done to the colonies. It refers to the rule of law, the idea that rulers cannot simply make decisions based on their own wishes, but must follow the established laws. The “resolution” concluded that the colonies are, and should be, free and independent.

Remember the Ladies John Adams's wife, Abigail, was not allowed to participate in politics because she was a woman. However, the couple had a great relationship, and she expressed her views to him openly on the issues faced by the Congress. She asked him to not forget that women are citizens too, and should have equal rights with men. She also said that slavery should be addressed by the Congress.