1. Agenda:
DO NOW: What are some things that kids your age complain about?

2. Complaints
No matter where we live, no matter what our age, people/citizens will always have complaints.
Our complaints can also be considered grievances.
Our founding fathers had many grievances with the King of England, King George III.
Can you think back to some grievances colonists had while under the authority of the British Crown?

3. These Grievances are located in the Declaration of Independence
What is the Declaration of Independence?
Document from the colonies that declare their Independence from Great Britain (breaking ties with them).
When was it written?
 July 4, 1776 (This is why Americans celebrate July 4th!!)
Who helped write it?
 Our Founding Fathers- Thomas Jefferson

4. Declaration of Independence

5. The Declaration of Independence
Other Key People:
Written mainly by Thomas Jefferson in 1776
John Adams
Ben Franklin
George Washington
Why would the
colonists write
a formal declaration?

6. DOI has 3 Main Parts… 1.) Preamble
-Introducing the document. Formally stating that the colonists had the right to the right to break free from Britain.
2.) Natural Rights
Jefferson argued that all men posses unalienable rights.
-These include “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
Borrowed from Locke “life, liberty, and property.”
3.) Grievances
That King George III had violated the colonists rights by passing unfair laws and interfering with colonial government.

7. Let’s Look at the D.O.I
What does the DOI say is a reason the colonists should be independent?
The King is not protecting the colonists natural rights
What are some complaints the colonists have?
Taxes, unfair jail time, limited trade, etc.

8. Quick Recap… Events leading up to the Revolution
We know the 1st Continental Congress gathered delegates from throughout the colonies.
We know minutemen- members of the civilian militia fought with British soldiers.
The first battle was in Lexington.
The British had the nickname of “redcoats” or “lobster backs” from their red uniforms.

9. The Shot Heard Around the World (1775)
Battle of Lexington & Concord, Massachusetts
There was a stand-off between colonists and the British troops
No one knows who really fired first
Starts the American Revolution
What is a
stand-off?

10. A second Continental Congress meets…
The 2nd Continental Congress did the following:
a. decided to compromise on a break from Great Britain
b. Created the Continental Army
c. Named George Washington the leader of their army
Continental Army (Patriot Soldiers) vs.
British Army (Redcoats)

11. Patriots
Colonists who supported breaking away from England (King George).
A book called Common Sense written by Thomas Paine influenced the Patriots.
Common Sense argued that citizens, not kings and queens should make laws.
It was written in common language to appeal to common people. (and it did!)
It changed the way people thought in the colonies.

12. Loyalists Colonists who are loyal to the British Crown.
They help fight or aid the British during the Revolution.

13. Results.. 40-45% were Patriots 20-30% were Loyalists
the rest were neutral

14. Grievances Loyalists Patriots Unalienable rights
KEY TERM REVIEW: USING THE FOLLOWING VOCABULARY WORDS CREATE A SENTENCE PROPERLY USING THE WORD.
Grievances
Loyalists
Patriots
Unalienable rights

15. The Signing

16. Monday Do Now: Cartoon Analysis
Activity: Which side are you on? Patriots v. Loyalists?
Should we break free from Britain?
Patriots: people choosing to fight for Independence. OR
Loyalists: people who remained loyal to Great Britain.

17. American Revolution Outcome of the Declaration: WAR WITH GREAT BRITIAN
JIGSAW ACTIVITY
EXPERT GROUPS: By the end of today you should have your EXPERT group graphic organizer completed ready to teach other classmates on Monday!