Declaring IndependenceDeclaring Independence

Chapter 3 section 2 Chapter 3 section 2

By Mrs. AndreattaBy Mrs. Andreatta

IndependenceIndependence

1.1. Colonies declared independence Colonies declared independence from England (Britain)from England (Britain)

2.2. Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” pamphlet helped colonists support pamphlet helped colonists support independence. independence.

3.3. Colonists had different opinions Colonists had different opinions about the Declaration of about the Declaration of Independence (D of I)Independence (D of I)

Thomas Paine – Common Thomas Paine – Common Sense!Sense!

Urged separation from England (Britain)Urged separation from England (Britain)Citizens (not kings) should make laws.Citizens (not kings) should make laws.Argued economic freedom & military Argued economic freedom & military

defense.defense.King is a tyrant.King is a tyrant.Over 500,000 copies sold (best seller)!Over 500,000 copies sold (best seller)!Colonial Leaders agreed with Paine.Colonial Leaders agreed with Paine.

Thomas Paine – The guy with Thomas Paine – The guy with “Common Sense”“Common Sense”

Declaration of Declaration of IndependenceIndependence

Colonial leaders at 2Colonial leaders at 2ndnd Continental Continental Congress agreed with Paine’s ideas.Congress agreed with Paine’s ideas.

June 1776 – 2June 1776 – 2ndnd Continental Congress Continental Congress gathered to write D of I.gathered to write D of I.

Thomas Jefferson was the main Thomas Jefferson was the main author.author.

D of I = a formal break from G.B. – D of I = a formal break from G.B. – Approved July 4, 1776! (happy 4Approved July 4, 1776! (happy 4thth of of July)July)

Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson D of I Main AuthorD of I Main Author

Purpose of D of IPurpose of D of I People have basic rights: Life, Liberty, and People have basic rights: Life, Liberty, and

the Pursuit of Happinessthe Pursuit of Happiness King George has violated Colonist’s rights King George has violated Colonist’s rights

by passing unfair laws & interfering with by passing unfair laws & interfering with colonial governments.colonial governments.

America has the right to be free – breaking America has the right to be free – breaking the SOCIAL CONTRACT - Social contract = the SOCIAL CONTRACT - Social contract = rulers protect people / people agree to the rulers protect people / people agree to the governed. King George broke the “social governed. King George broke the “social contract” by not protecting the colonists contract” by not protecting the colonists rights.rights.

Declaration of Declaration of IndependenceIndependence

King George III – MAD!King George III – MAD!

Colonists Ideas / OpinionsColonists Ideas / Opinions

Patriots = Choose to fight – 40% - Patriots = Choose to fight – 40% - 45%45%

Loyalist = Loyal to England = 20% – Loyalist = Loyal to England = 20% – 30%30%

Neutral = No Opinion = 25%Neutral = No Opinion = 25%

Reactions to the D of IReactions to the D of I

All Men are created Equal!All Men are created Equal!Well . . . Not really!Well . . . Not really!D of I excluded the D of I excluded the

following:following:Some colonistsSome colonistsWomen (no rights)Women (no rights)African Slaves (no rights)African Slaves (no rights)