1. The Beginning of Independence….….or not?
Influence of Thomas Paine

2. Think About it!
Historians see Lexington & Concord as the “Beginning of the Revolution”. Why?
Historians see this as the first exchange of gun- fire. But what is wrong with assuming this was the first battle?
It was unknown who fired the first shot! Many colonists were not seeking independence, only wanted to show that they were taking a stand against the overtaxing and lack of representation in government.

3. Did all colonists want Independence after Lexington & Concord?
So…
Did all colonists want Independence after Lexington & Concord?

4. NO!!!!

5. So how do the colonists come to the decision that independence was the only option?

6. Some reasons include… Anti-British Propaganda
Unity of the Continental Army
Battle of Bunker Hill
Failure of the Olive Branch Petition
Use your “COMMON SENSE”!

7. Thomas Paine
-Most colonists still believed they could avoid final break with Britain until….
-Paine publishes a pamphlet titled Common Sense
- Ridiculed that kings had “divine power”
- Disagreed that our economy would fail if we left
-Instant success!! Over 100,000 copies in 3 months.
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8. First Quote
“I have heard it asserted by some, that as America hath flourished under her former connection with Great Britain, the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Nothing can be more fallacious than this kind of argument.”
What does he mean?

9. Second Quote
“we have boasted the protection of Great Britain without considering that her motive was interest, not attachment; and that she did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account…”
What does he mean?

10. Third Quote
“But Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families…”
What does he mean?

11. Fourth Quote
“I challenge the warmed advocate for reconciliation, to show a single advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain. I repeat the challenge; not a single advantage is derived.”
What does he mean?

12. Fifth quote
“Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.. In no instance hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet.”
What is he saying?

13. Sixth Quote
“Nothing but Independence…can keep the peace of the continent…A government of our own is our natural right; and when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power…”
What is he saying?

14. On your Own
Answer the questions about Thomas Paine on the back of this page!
Be sure to read 6.4 by tomorrow!
6.4 worksheet is due Monday!!