1. Declaration of Independence

2. It’s Common Sense

3. Common Sense Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine
Purpose was to tell the colonists that it was time to make the break.
Published January 1776, 500,000 copies sold within 6 months.

4. Common Sense Colonists did not owe loyalty to King George III.
Very idea of having Kings or Queens was wrong.
Colonists owed nothing to Britain. They helped colonists only for their own profits.
Ridiculous country 3,000 miles away to rule a continent (British Colonies)

5. Common Sense
Paine wrote that people should rule themselves.
“A government of our own is a natural right.”
“Everything that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. … ‘Tis time to part.”

6. Richard Henry Lee, from Virginia introduced a resolution in favor of independence in June 7, 1776.
“…these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States. ”

7. SHOULD THEY BREAK?
If they declared independence, they were traitors.
Traitor – a person who betrays his country.
PENALTY: DEATH BY HANGING

8. Committee of 5 Thomas Jefferson, VA Benjamin Franklin, PA
John Adams, MA
Robert Livingston, NY
Roger Sherman, CT

9. John Hancock President of 2nd Continental Congress
Signed Declaration of Independence First
He said that King George will be able to see his signature without his glasses

10. July 2, 1776 Vote to make colonies “free and independent states”
Some changes were made.

11. July 4, 1776
John Hancock signed document on that date

12. Different parts of the Declaration
Preamble – introduction – Explains why the document was written
“…they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”

13. Natural Rights
Rights belonging to all people from birth – unalienable/natural
(based on Locke)
Life
Liberty
Pursuit of Happiness

14. Natural Rights
Governments can only exist if they have the “consent of the governed”
If government fails to protect the rights, then people have the duty to overthrow the government and replace it.

15. British Wrongs Quartering British soldiers in colonists’ homes
Cutting off trade with all parts of the world
Imposing taxes without representation in Parliament
Hiring Hessians to fight against the colonists

16. Independence Last part is the actual Declaration of Independence.
They closed the Declaration with a solemn pledge, pledging their lives, fortune, and sacred honor.
Have the power to declare war, set up trade, and make treaties.