1. Declaring Independence

2. Common Sense is Published
Pamphlet written by: Thomas Paine
Convinced many people of the need to break away from Great Britain
Challenged the King’s right to rule and helped people realize that the colonies could survive without Great Britain

3. A Time of Decision
Congress was unsure about breaking ties with Great Britain, however, they decided to draft a Declaration of Independence
Committee in charge of writing the Declaration: Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston & Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration of Independence

4. The Declaration is Adopted
July 4, 1776: Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence
Ideas in the Declaration were based on those by John Locke
“Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness”
If a government does not protect the people’s rights, they have the obligation to overthrow the government