Thomas Paine Paine would later be arrested in France for not supporting the execution of Louis XVI in 1792. James Monroe would later see to his release.

Declaration of Independence By 1776 more than half of the 2nd Continental Congress agreed with Paine that the colonies should break away from the British.

Declaration of Independence The congress appointed 5 delegates to draw up the document which would become known as “the Committee of 5” on 11 June 1776.

Declaration of Independence The committee consisted of: John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Penn., Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert R. Livingston of New York and Roger Sherman of Connecticut.

Declaration of Independence This document explained why colonies should be free. It included a long list of abuses by the monarchy

Declaration of Independence The Declaration of Independence described the rights of individuals…”Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

Declaration of Independence It also describes where these rights come from. It says what people can do to bring about new Government. That the purpose of government is to protect the rights of people.

Declaration of Independence Declaration of Independence was influenced by the writings of John Locke, a 17th century philosopher.

Declaration of Independence Locke wrote that good government is a social contract among the people and those who rule.

The colonies were now independent states, in theory The colonies were now independent states, in theory. Many struggles and battles were yet to be encountered.

Review. Why did great Britain raise taxes on the colonists after 1763? Which British legislation led to the first continental congress?