The American Nation Section 1: Fighting Begins in the North Section 2: The Colonies Declare Independence Section 3: Struggles in the Middle States Section 4: Fighting for Liberty on Many Fronts Chapter 6: The American Revolution 1775–1783 Section 5: Winning the War in the South

Chapter 6, Section 2 Common Sense Influenced the Colonists Thomas Paine wrote an essay—Common Sense— urging the colonies to declare independence. Paine and other radicals—people who want to make drastic changes in society—began to think of creating their own nation.

Chapter 6, Section 2 Against IndependenceFor Independence Many colonists felt loyal to Britain. People felt they owed their allegiance to the king. Colonists did not owe loyalty to George III or any other monarch. Colonists did not owe anything to Britain. The British had helped the colonists for their own profit. Staying under British rule would be harmful to the colonies.

Chapter 6, Section 2 The Colonies Declare Independence How did “Common Sense” influence the colonists?

Chapter 6, Section 2 Congress Declares Independence Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution for independence. Second Continental Congress debated the resolution. Members of Congress worried that the British could hang them as traitors, people who betray their country. Congress appointed a committee to draw up a formal declaration of independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote the final document for the committee.

Chapter 6, Section 2 The declaration was read to Congress. The delegates voted to accept the declaration. The declaration was printed and signed. Copies were distributed through the colonies.

Chapter 6, Section 2 The Colonies Declare Independence What steps did Congress take to declare independence?

Chapter 6, Section 2 The Declaration of Independence Preamble Introduction; explains that the declaration will tell why the colonies want to break from Great Britain. First part—Natural rights Rights that belong to all people from birth, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Governments exist to protect people’s natural rights. Second part—British wrongs Great Britain has committed many wrongs. King George III disbanded colonial legislatures, sent troops, and limited colonial trade. The colonists asked for justice but did not get it. Third part—Independence The colonies are now a free and independent nation— the United States of America.

Chapter 6, Section 2 The Colonies Declare Independence What are the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence?

Chapter 6, Section 2 Section 2 Assessment The essay Common Sense a)was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth. b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies. c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain. d) urged colonists to remain under British rule. According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in order to a) make war and provide jobs. b) make drastic changes in society. c) express their allegiance to a ruler. d) protect their natural rights and liberties.

Chapter 6, Section 2 Section 2 Assessment The essay Common Sense a) was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth. b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies. c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain. d) urged colonists to remain under British rule. According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in order to a) make war and provide jobs. b) make drastic changes in society. c) express their allegiance to a ruler. d) protect their natural rights and liberties.