The American Revolution Section 2 Chapter 4 U.S. History Mr. Kissam

Declaring Independence The Big Idea The colonies formally declared their independence from Great Britain. Main Ideas Thomas Paine’s Common Sense led many colonists to support independence. Colonists had to choose sides when independence was declared. The Declaration of Independence did not address the rights of all colonists.

Paine’s Common Sense Common Sense: a forty-seven-page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine, published in January 1776

Paine’s Common Sense Thomas Paine’s Common Sense argued that citizens, not monarchs, should make laws Urged separation from Great Britain Argued for economic freedom and the right to military self-defense

Paine’s Common Sense Cried out against tyranny, the abuse of government power Reached a wide audience, selling some 500,000 copies Thomas Paine’s Common Sense led many colonists to support independence and challenge British Authority.

Independence is Declared Many colonial leaders agreed with Thomas Paine’s ideas. Second Continental Congress created a committee in June 1776 to write a document declaring independence.

“Declaration of Independence” Thomas Jefferson

A New Philosophy of Government Thomas Jefferson was main author of the Declaration of Independence .

Independence is Declared Thomas Jefferson had clearly defined arguments in the declaration. First, that all people had the right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Next, colonists believed King George III had violated their rights by taxing them without their consent.

A New Philosophy of Government The idea that the colonies had the right to break away from Britain was based on the Enlightenment idea of the social contract.

Parts of the Declaration Preamble (Opening) Natural Rights of Man Abuses of the King (List of Grievances) Final Statement of Independence The Reading of the Declaration

Independence is Declared Declaration of Independence formally announced break with Great Britain. Approved on July 4, 1776. (VC) Now colonists had to choose sides when independence was declared.

Choosing Sides Patriots-chose to fight for independence. About 40 to 45 percent of Americans were Patriots. Loyalists-sometimes called Tories, remained loyal to Britain. About 20 to 30 percent of Americans were Loyalists. Neutral-About 25 percent of Americans remained neutral.

A new motto for the United States The committee created a seal for the new country with the motto, “E pluribus unum” which means “out of many, one”

Unfinished Business Declaration ignored many colonists. Did not address the rights of women Did not recognize the rights of enslaved African Americans Did not address the rights of Native Americans to life, liberty, or property

Questions page 118-121 What was the main argument did Thomas Paine’s Common Sense? What was the significance of the Declaration of Independence? Who was the author of the Declaration of Independence? What were the three main arguments in the Declaration of Independence?