Chapter 6.2

Describe the impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

List the steps Congress took to declare the independence

Summarize the main ideas of the Declaration of Independence

Thomas Paine, wrote an essay called Common Sense.

500,000 copies sold in 6 months.

Changes attitudes that colonist did not owe loyalty to king.

Colonist did not owe anything to Britain, they should be free.

Richard Henry Lee of Virginia votes for separation

Once decision made, no turning back

All would be labeled traitor A committee was selected to

draft a declaration of independence

John Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman on committee

Preamble – Introduction First Part focus on natural rights or rights that

belong to all people. If government fails to protect people, it is the peoples

duty to throw off such government. Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.

British Wrongs- Condemns King for disbanding colonial legislature,

sending troops, imposed taxes, limits on trade.

The last part of the document announces that the colonies now are the United States of America.

Cut all ties with King and Britain.