1. Colonies Declare Independence The American Revolution
The American Nation
Chapter 6 - Section 2
Colonies Declare Independence
"These are the times that try men's souls."
~Thomas Paine ~
The American Revolution
1775–1783
Copyright © 2003 by Pearson Education, Inc., publishing as Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ. All rights reserved.

2. The Colonies Declare Independence
Chapter 6, Section 2
Objectives to learn:
How did Common Sense influence the colonists?
What steps did Congress take to declare independence?
What are the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence?

3. Who was Thomas Paine???
Englishman who came to America in the fall of 1774 after trying many jobs
He was a friend of Ben Franklin
1776 – He was 39 years old and had been working in Philadelphia as a journalist for 2 years
Paine spent the beginning of the war fighting in the Continental Army
He wrote articles (The Crisis) for the Pennsylvania Magazine during the war.
He worked as a clerk for the Continental Congress and for the Pennsylvania Assembly.

4. How did Common Sense influence the colonists?
Chapter 6, Section 2
Thomas Paine wrote an essay—Common Sense—urging the colonies to declare independence.
Paine and other radicals—people who want to make drastic changes in society—began to think of creating their own nation.
Against Independence
For Independence
Many colonists felt loyal to Britain.
People felt they owed their allegiance to the king.
Colonists did not owe loyalty to George III or any other monarch.
Colonists did not owe anything to Britain. The British had helped the colonists for their own profit.
Staying under British rule would be harmful to the colonies.

5. Thomas Paine and Common Sense

6. Paine and Common Sense

7. Two Patriots Debate John Dickinson Against Independence Thomas Paine
For Independence

8. What steps did Congress take to declare independence?
Chapter 6, Section 2
June Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution for independence.
Second Continental Congress debated the resolution.
Members of Congress worried that the British could hang them as traitors, people who betray their country.
Congress appointed a committee (Committee of Five – Who?) to draw up a formal declaration of independence.
Thomas Jefferson wrote the final document for the committee. Late June 1776, it was finished.
July 1, The declaration was read to Congress.
July 2, 1776 – Congress voted the colonies were “free and independent states.”
The delegates voted to accept the declaration. When???
August The declaration was printed and signed.
Copies were distributed through the colonies.

9. Other facts about the Declaration of Independence
Who was the first person to sign the Declaration?
Where was a statue of King George III tore down after hearing of the Declaration?
How many grievances were listed against King George III in the Declaration?
Who was the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence?
What could have happened to the Signers of the Declaration of Independence if they were caught by the British?
What major change occurred to the Declaration of Independence after Jefferson presented it to Congress?
What Pennsylvania delegate refused to sign the Declaration of Independence?
How many signers did the Declaration of Independence have?

10. Signing of the Declaration of Independence
Artist: John Trumbull Oil on canvas, 12' x 18' Commissioned 1817; purchased 1819; placed 1826 in the Rotunda

11. Adam’s stepping on Jefferson’s foot

12. What are the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence?
Chapter 6, Section 2
A. Preamble
Introduction; explains that the declaration will tell why the colonies want to break from Great Britain.
B. First part—Natural rights
Rights that belong to all people from birth, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Governments exist to protect people’s natural rights.
C. Second part—British wrongs
Great Britain has committed many wrongs. King George III disbanded colonial legislatures, sent troops, and limited colonial trade. The colonists asked for justice but did not get it. (“…a tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of a free people…”)
D. Third part—Independence
The colonies are now a free and independent nation—the United States of America.

13. Putting the Declaration of Independence in Your Own Words Activity
You will be divided into 8 groups and given a section of the Declaration of Independence
You will need to summarize that section in your own words. There should be a recorder in your group to write down your notes. This will be collected and is worth 10 points.
What should be on this paper:
Names of people in group
Sections assigned to be summarized
Sections summarized in your own words – may be in bullets.
You will then explain your summary to the class as a group. The presentation is worth 5 points.
5 points will be given for teamwork and being on task.
Worth a total of 20 points.

14. Birth of a New Nation in 1776

15. The Declaration of Independence

16. Summer of 1776 – The Declaration of Independence

17. Slavery and the Declaration

18. Section 2 Assessment The essay Common Sense
Chapter 6, Section 2
The essay Common Sense
a) was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth.
b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies.
c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain.
d) urged colonists to remain under British rule.
According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in order to
a) make war and provide jobs.
b) make drastic changes in society.
c) express their allegiance to a ruler.
d) protect their natural rights and liberties.
Want to connect to the American Nation link for this section? Click here.

19. Section 2 Assessment The essay Common Sense
Chapter 6, Section 2
The essay Common Sense
a) was never printed but was passed on by word of mouth.
b) argued that Parliament had a right to make laws for the colonies.
c) convinced many people that it was time to separate from Britain.
d) urged colonists to remain under British rule.
According to the Declaration of Independence, people form governments in order to
a) make war and provide jobs.
b) make drastic changes in society.
c) express their allegiance to a ruler.
d) protect their natural rights and liberties.
Want to connect to the American Nation link for this section? Click here.