A Nation Declares Independence Chapter 6 Section 1

A Call for Independence Colonists Divided –Patriots & Loyalists a minority –Most colonists in the middle Common Sense –January 1776, published in Philadelphia –50 page pamphlet –Stimulated support for independence –Author- Thomas Raine, called King George a “royal brute” –Had a great influence on the colonists

Virginia’s Resolution Introduced by Richard Henry Lee Proclaimed that “these United Colonies are, and of right out to be, free and independent states.” Before voting, Congress needed a statement opposing the reasons for separation from Britain. Thomas Jefferson was given the job.

The Declaration of Independence Uses step by step logic to explain why the colonists wanted to break away from British rule Begins with a preamble The sections follow: –Natural Rights –List of Grievances –Dissolving of Bonds

Natural Rights General ideas about society and government Governments are created in order to protect people’s rights If a government violates those rights, the people have a right to abolish their government and create another one.

List of Grievances A long list of grievances (formal complaints) against King George III of England Example: Ignoring the rights that English citizens had enjoyed since the time of the Magna Carta

Dissolving the Bonds Where the Declaration reaches a logical conclusion Colonies are “free and Independent states…and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be totally dissolved.” Ends with a solemn pledge

Impact of the Declaration July 4, 1776 Congress approved the Declaration of Independence Actual signing took place on August 2 nd. One of the world’s enduring documents