Episode #3 Declaring Independence

Background The events of April 19, 1775, marked the beginning of what historians call the War for Independence. The colonists felt that the British government did not take their needs into consideration when creating laws for the colonies. The British government claimed that the colonies were the property of Britain, and as such, must obey their laws. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress voted to adopt the Declaration of Independence, which detailed the reasons why the colonies were breaking away from Britain. In Philadelphia the Declaration of Independence was read aloud at Carpenter’s Hall for all to hear. Soon copies of the Declaration were spreading throughout the colonies and being read in the cities, towns, and villages of America.

4 SECTIONS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE 1.Preamble-An intro, tells why the colonists are writing the document 2.Declaration of Rights-Explains that all men have rights that can’t be taken away; lists these rights (Life, Liberty & pursuit of Happiness) 3.List of Grievances/Complaints-Lists all of the ways the King has taken away colonists’ rights 4.Independence-Says colonists have now declared independence & are making their OWN country

Diary Entry #3 1.Now write a diary entry about how the Declaration will affect their decision to be Patriots, Loyalists or Undecided Citizens. Patriots-Write how you feel about being a Patriot. Are you excited? Are you scared? Why do you feel that you should fight for your independence? Loyalists-Write how you feel about being a Loyalist. Are you scared? Do you feel outnumbered? How can you help defeat the rebellion? Neutral Citizens-How do you feel about the War for Independence? Who do you think might win the war? How will your life change if the group you think will win the war actually wins the war? The date for this diary entry is July 4, 1776.