The Declaration of Independence Chapter 12 – History Alive! America’s Past Grade 5 MacFarland Intermediate School – Ms. Campellone

Common Sense: Thomas Paine’s booklet that argued for independence in Language that all could understand…

Congress asked 5 delegates to write why the colonies had the right to be a separate nation.

Thomas Jefferson wrote the first draft of the Declaration of Independence.

What can you note about this house in Philadelphia? … it is a re-creation of the historic “Declaration House” where Jefferson penned the document!

This is what the rooms look like inside: (you can visit this site!) Fun fact: Only this key is ORIGINAL to this room!

In 1775, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia.

Here, they faced 3 important tasks: 1. Organize for war against the British 2. Decide who should lead the new army 3. Whether to declare independence from Britain officially.

1.Congress formed the Continental Army

2. George Washington was named the Army’s leader.

Do the colonists declare independence or keep trying to make peace with Britain’s King George III?

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had such a powerful effect on people, by 1776, the were ready to vote for independence.

3. On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was signed.

John Hancock signed first, writing his name in BOLD letters John Hancock signed first, writing his name in BOLD letters. He was president of the Congress and warned “We must all hang together.” Ben Franklin added.. “or we will all hang separately.”

When news of the signing was out, everyone celebrated, with parades and bonfires.

1st excerpt of Declaration: Explains why the colonists felt it was necessary to write the document: “When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds which have connected them with another… a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation…”

2nd excerpt of Declaration: Describes the rights all people should have: “ We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…”

3rd excerpt of Declaration: Explains why governments are established and describes the citizens’ rights if the government acts unfairly: “To secure these rights, Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. … whenever any form of government becomes destructive…it is the right of the people … to institute a new government…”

4th excerpt of Declaration: Presents a general complaint against the King: “ The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having, in direct object, the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these states. To prove this, let the facts be submitted to a candid world…”

5th excerpt of Declaration: This part declares the colonies’ independence: “… we solemnly publish and declare, the these United Colonies are, and ought to be, Free and Independent States; … and that all political connection between them and that state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved…”

Vocabulary for you: 1. Militia – a small army made up of ordinary citizens 2. Treason – the crime of disloyalty toward a ruler or government.

Are you ready to be among the signers – for independence? If so, be prepared to have YOUR name placed on the Declaration of Independence and be prepared to face the battle ahead! This is NOT a decision to make lightly – it is serious and is worth your LIFE!