The Declaration of Independence

“Common Sense” In January 1776, the pamphlet “Common Sense”, written by Thomas Paine is published. He said things that were not new, but they were written in a way that appealed to the lower and middle class. Paine wanted each colony to declare its independence, and form a Republican government.

“Common Sense” Becoming a Republican government would be a model for the rest of the world. He asserts that America has a special role in the world. Paine states all of these things in a way that mocks the British.

Declaring Independence On June 7, 1776 Richard Henry Lee (statesman from VA) introduces legislature calling on colonies to declare their independence. They debate for one month.

Declaring Independence During the month long debate the Committees of Correspondence wants a government to be drawn out. Another committee is set up to draw up the Declaration of Independence. This committee is made up of John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman (CT), Robert Livingston (NY).

Declaring Independence From June 16th to June 27th Jefferson worked on the draft on the Dec. He turns it over to the other members, who make changes, then it is turned over to the Committees of Correspondence (who makes changes). In all, 86 changes are made, and Jefferson is not happy.

Declaring Independence On July 2nd, the Committees of Correspondence is ready to vote. 12 of the 13 colonies vote (NY does not) and all 12 vote unanimously in favor of independence. 2 days later on the 4th, they are still making changes to Jefferson’s draft.

Declaring Independence So actually, July 2nd is the day when we declared our Independence, it is adopted on July 4th. The Declaration of Independence is divided into 3 parts.

3 Parts of the Declaration 1st Part: The theoretical justification for independence. This part is also influenced by John Locke’s idea of Natural Rights; Life, Liberty, and Property. It is also based on Locke’s idea of Social Contract; people in society create a government to protect their rights.

3 Parts of the Declaration 2nd Part: States all the grievances about the British (including the Acts, etc.). Jefferson places all of the blame for this on the king. The king was to blame for breaking the final links to the colonies.

3 Parts of the Declaration 3rd Part: Restatement of Richard Henry Lee’s Statement of Independence. The delegates then sign and pledge themselves to each other. They would now be targeted for treason by the British officials if they were not successful.