Section 2: Declaring Independence

Objectives Explain why fighting broke out to begin the American Revolution and the response of the Second Continental Congress. Describe the Loyalists’ view of the Patriots. Analyze the impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Assess why Congress declared independence and the ideas underlying the Declaration of Independence.

Terms and People militia – a civilian group that trains as soldiers to serve in emergencies Loyalists – colonists who remained loyal to Britain during the Revolution Second Continental Congress – colonial delegates who met in Philadelphia in May 1775 to organize a bigger fight against the British Continental Army – volunteers who supported the Patriot siege of Boston and were put under control of Congress

Terms and People (continued) George Washington – Virginian chosen to command the Continental Army Thomas Paine – author of the pamphlet Common Sense that proposed independence Declaration of Independence – 1776 document that explained the reasons for American independence from Great Britain

Terms and People (continued) Thomas Jefferson – Virginia patriot and main author of the Declaration of Independence natural rights – Enlightenment idea embodied by the Declaration of Independence that all men have rights which governments cannot take away

What events led the colonists to declare their independence from Britain? In 1776, colonists made 3 important decisions: Declare their independence Choose a republican model of government Unite the 13 colonies into the U.S.A. Their strength surprised and changed the world.

In early 1775, Boston Patriots responded to the Intolerable Acts John Hancock and Samuel Adams organized a Provincial Congress The Patriots began to stockpile weapons and ammunition Colonial militia calling themselves minutemen began to organize.

The Revolution began on April 19, 1775. Redcoats marched toward Concord to seize weapons and ammunition. In Lexington, they met colonial militia. The Redcoats killed 8 Minutemen. British met hundreds of armed colonial militia As they marched back to Boston, 200 Redcoats were shot by colonists.

Aroused by the events at Lexington and Concord, thousands of Patriots surrounded the British in Boston.

Provincial assemblies seized control in the other New England colonies while colonial militia pinned down British troops in Boston. In May 1775 the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to take control of the fighting.

As volunteers arrived in Boston, George Washington was chosen to command the new Continental Army.

Congress made one final attempt at reconciliation in July 1775. The petition was rejected. Britain responded by sending more troops. The Olive Branch Petition was sent to Britain to make peace with the king.

Not all colonists favored independence. About 20% remained British Loyalists. Reasons: Some believed Britain was too powerful to beat. Some resented Patriot taxes and militia demands. Many slaves hoped for freedom under the British.

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense: important to colonial ideas in early 1776. Paine depicted the king as enemy of liberty He said the government should be elected by the common people. Paine believed all men have natural rights.

Congress selected a committee to declare independence. So Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence. Congress approved it on July 4, 1776. It stated that “All men are created equal.” Is this true?

The Declaration organized in 4 sections: The Preamble stated the reasons for writing the Declaration. The 2nd paragraph stated the purpose of government − to protect people’s rights. Then came a long list of grievances against the King.

The final paragraph actually declared independence. The signers pledged, “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.”

Section 2 Assessment How did the 2nd Continental Congress respond to the war with Britain? (Pg. 109) Why did Loyalists continue to support Britain? (Pg. 110-111) What were some ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence? (Pg. 112) How did Thomas Paine convince colonists to gain freedom from Britain? (Pg. 111) How do newspaper editorials get people to think a certain way? (Opinion)

Originally tried to make peace with Britain using the Olive Branch petition (eventually write Declaration of Independence) They feared an uprising/disorder and disliked the demands made by the colonists to Britain (taxes/allegiance/military drafts) purpose of government is to create rights for people, list of grievances to king) Wrote Common Sense (ideas: independence from Britain, republican states of government, union of states) They present issues and back them with reasons to think a certain way