What motivated the colonies to fight for independence? Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, John Locke and Natural Rights, and the Declaration of Independence

Imagine… You are a colonist living in Georgia on April 19, 1775 when the Revolutionary War starts at Lexington and Concord. Would you be willing to leave your family, home and job to fight the British? Why or why not?

Loyalist – those colonists who remained loyal to England When the Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776 not all colonists agreed with the idea Loyalist – those colonists who remained loyal to England However, by July 4,1776, most colonists did support full separation from England. http://www.flickr.com/photos/29959312@N07/2805271278/

However, 6 months prior to signing of Declaration of Independence, many colonists did not favor Revolution. It was believed that Parliament in London could resolve the disputes in a satisfactory way with the colonies. British Parliament http://www.freefoto.com/images/31/07/31_07_89---Big-Ben--The-Houses-of-Parliament--London--England_web.jpg?&k=Big+Ben%2C+The+Houses+of+Parliament%2C+London%2C+England

In your group, discuss the following: Why would the colonists want to settle their dispute with England in a peaceful way? What risks would they be taking by going to war?

Eight months after Lexington and Concord (1775), on January 10, 1776, a man who had been in the colonies only a year, arrived from England named Thomas Paine published a pamphlet called Common Sense. http://carolynsmith-kizer.com/camisole1.jpg http://2littledogs.com/paine.jpg

Common Sense – Big Idea How did Common Sense help to motivate Americans to demand a war for Independence? What makes Common Sense a powerful tool for the Patriots in gaining supporters?

Thomas Paine in “Common Sense” wrote: “I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense.” ..Colonists did not owe anything to England In his simple language, Paine wrote the unspoken thoughts of the average colonist He gave and gave them the courage to accept the radical idea of self-rule.

“Every thing that is right and reasonable pleads for separation “Every thing that is right and reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, ‘Tis Time To Part.” – Thomas Paine http://www.craigorback.com/images/books07_optimized/Thomas_Paine_cover.jpg

For the first time, the notion of independence was in the minds of every yeoman (loyal worker) in the colonies and a new idea of a separate nationality was becoming a reality. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nflravens/2809044628/

Thomas Paine was the first man to string together these five words: “The United States of America.” http://www2.yk.psu.edu/~mer7/Marie/colonial_flag.jpg

Common Sense is a brilliant piece of propaganda (information that is spread to promote a certain idea) from the American Revolutionary period. http://hoover.archives.gov/exhibits/RevAmerica/3-When/5g.PamphletCommonSense.jpg

Common Sense : Insulted the enemy Explained the reasons for revolt Motivated the masses to act. It greatly affected the delegates at the Second Continental Congress to propose a formal document declaring independence It also clearly divided the colonists into two distinct groups: Loyalists – Colonists who remain Loyal to England Patriots – Colonists who rebel against King George III http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/images/paine1.jpg

Paine took many of his ideas from John Locke, an English Philosopher 1690: Locke publishes “Two Treatises on Government” Two main ideas All people have the natural rights to life, liberty and prosperity Government is an agreement between the ruler and the ruled. The ruler must enforce the laws and protect the people. If a ruler violates the people's natural rights, the people have a right to rebel.

Now, Turn to your partner Why do you think Paine’s Common Sense appealed to so many colonists?

Again, Turn to your partner At what point would you be willing to overthrow your government? What might they do wrong that would make you fight?

Think, pair, share Do you think that the colonists SHOULD HAVE revolted? Did England do anything so wrong that a revolution was “just” and “necessary”?

Common Sense INTRODUCTION: Imagine yourself sitting down to read Common Sense in January 1776. How does Paine introduce his reasoning to you? Forcefully! Says he’s only sharing “common sense” with the people. SECTION 1:What did the British government impose upon the colonies that caused the colonies to “suffocate”? Taxes and laws that are “abusive” SECTION 2: According to Paine, how do Britain and the King violate Natural Rights? Does not treat the colonies fairly or equally. Treats them more like a child without the same rights as an adult. SECTION 3: Does Paine believe that the colonies and the British can reconcile? Why or Why not? NO! Colonies will ruin everything they have worked for. Oppression will never stop unless they revolt and start a revolution. SECTION 4: How do you think this document helped to “turn the tide” of public opinion in favor of revolution? Gives the Americans confidence! Scares them into thinking that if they sit back and wait that they will lose everything – forces them to act NOW!

Independence is declared 6 months after Common Sense is published!! The Continental Congress feels it has enough support of the people to officially declare independence! Congress appoints a "Committee of Five", (John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman) to draft a declaration of independence Sherman Franklin Jefferson Adams Livingston

June 1776 Thomas Jefferson, the youngest member of the Second Continental Congress, is chosen to do the first draft The document was to include details as to why the colonies were breaking away from Britain It is said that he wrote it quickly

June 28, 1776—Jefferson finishes the draft July 2, 1776 – Congress votes that the colonies were free and independent states.” July 4, 1776—Congress approves the wording of the Declaration and 56 members sign it – John Hancock putting his signature first

Before Reading the Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 Pre-Reading Questions: Who was this document written to?   King George III and the government of Britain Who was this document it written by?   Thomas Jefferson and the Second Continental Congress What was the basic purpose of this document? What effect would this document have on the colonial people?   To explain WHY the colonies were choosing the separate from the British

Oertel's painting Pulling Down the Statue of King George III, N. Y. C Oertel's painting Pulling Down the Statue of King George III, N.Y.C., depicts citizens destroying a statue of King George after the Declaration was read in New York City on July 9, 1776.

Declaration of Independence What does it say? How does it say it? What does it lead to