A Nation Declares Independence

Focus Questions How did Thomas Paine stir support for independence? Why did many colonists favor declaring independence?

America in 1776 Colonists were still far from united behind a Revolutionary War Patriots wanted to fight for freedom Loyalists still favored working with King George III and the British government Most were still undecided Didn’t like the British taxes and wanted more freedoms but didn’t think it would be worth a fight

Common Sense January 1776, Thomas Paine publishes a 50 page pamphlet in Philadelphia Common Sense calls for independence and convincingly argues for the colonists to govern themselves. 500,000 copies were sold in the 7 months before the Declaration of Independence was signed

The Declaration of Independence Written in Philadelphia during the summer of 1776 at the Second Continental Congress Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the draft Declaration is divided into an introduction and three other parts

Breaking Down the Declaration Preamble Natural Rights List of Grievances Dissolving the Bonds (Breaking Away)

Checking for Understanding What ideas are brought forth in the preamble? What natural rights are listed? What are a few of the grievances against King George III? What was the Second Continental Congress stating in the final section of the Declaration?