The Declaration of Independence

Common Sense  Thomas Paine’s Common Sense shifted American public opinion towards independence. – (Sold 120,000 copies)

Declaration of Independence  Proposed by Richard H. Lee of Virginia on June 7,  A five man committee was appointed to draft the declaration  Thomas Jefferson was the main author  Jefferson drew upon many of John Locke’s ideas in the Declaration.  It was debated at length by the 2nd Continental Congress, finally accepted on July 4, 1776

Impact of the Declaration of Independence  Radical new concept – nobody had ever tried this before.  Challenged the authority of the most powerful country on Earth.  Declaring independence did nothing … they would have to earn their independence on the battlefield.

FOUR PARTS  The Declaration contains four distinct parts.  Preamble,  Declaration of Natural Rights,  List of Grievances, and  Resolution of Independence

PREAMBLE = Introduction  Explains WHY they made the declaration. Starts with – When in the Course of human events … Ends with: … they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

Declaration of Natural Rights  Lists the rights the Founding Fathers argue they are born with.  Starts with: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal … Ends with: …it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.

List of Grievances  (List of complaints of “He …” – King George III) Starts with: Such has been the patient sufference of these Colonies … Ends with: … Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

Resolution of Independence  Final section, argues that the colonies are “Free and Independent States” with the full power to make war, to form alliances, and to trade with other colonies.  Starts with: – We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America …  Followed by signatures of all members.