Declaration of Independence What led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War?
French and Indian War Britain helped colonists defeat French in war Britain needed money to pay for war expenses Taxed colonists, restricted settlements and limited self-govt.
Sugar Act and Stamp Act British taxed colonists on many of the goods coming into the colonies from other places British imposed taxes upon all paper products and stamped the item once the tax had been played.
Without Representation!” “No Taxation Without Representation!” Colonists react…
Various protests: Patrick Henry’s speech Sons and Daughters of Liberty Boston Massacre Benjamin Franklin’s visit to Parliament Patrick Henry’s speech Sons and Daughters of Liberty
Boston Tea Party Lower price on British tea Colonists still pay taxes Boycotted British tea Sons of Liberty dressed in disguise and dumped British tea overboard
King George III passes the Coercive or “Intolerable” Acts The Royal Navy blockades the Boston Harbor so no colonial goods could be sent out until tea was paid for. Colonists had to quarter the British soldiers. The King assigned British General Gage to be Massachusetts governor.
First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia
Conflict at Lexington & Concord British General Gage learns of hidden weapons in Concord Paul Revere and William Dawes make midnight ride to warn Minutemen of approaching British soldiers Two lanterns hung in church tower to warn the British coming by “sea” (Charles River)
Second Continental Congress Representatives brought money to help establish… the Continental Army (i.e. pay soldiers, buy guns, bullets, food, and uniforms)
the freedom to govern on one’s own. declaration : (n) an official statement independence : (n) the freedom to govern on one’s own.
June 7, 1776 Approved July 2, 1776 “that these United Colonies are, and of right out to be, free and independent States … Approved July 2, 1776 Richard Henry Lee of Virginia
Who was involved? Benjamin Franklin John Adams Robert R. Livingston Roger Sherman Thomas Jefferson
Where did it all take place? This is a replica of the Graff house where Jefferson wrote the majority of the 1st draft of the Declaration of Independence. The original building (at this location) was destroyed in 1888.
Thomas Jefferson & John Locke European Enlightenment* English philosopher “Social Contract” – people obey if government protects right and liberties Broken contract = lawful replacement 1st: Theoretical justification to rebel 2nd: Establish a violation had occurred *movement that emphasized the importance of human reason and individual rights.
As it was signed, delegates feared for their lives. Ï shall have a great advantage over you when we are all hung for what we are doing… From the size and weight of my body I shall die in a few minutes, but from the lightness of your body you will dance in the air for an hour or two before you are dead. As it was signed, delegates feared for their lives. Elbridge Gerry, MA Benjamin Harrison, VA
Who signed it first?
Parts of the Declaration Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence
Hollywood Reads the Declaration Independence Hall
Why is it historically significant? April to early July 1776 there were 90 declarations of independence from 9 colonies.
Government exists to protect the rights of the people and they have a right to overthrow an unjust or tyrannical government. People are equal in their right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Fireworks Firework
What happened to the men who risked their lives to sign? See Word document The Price they paid and Declaration of Independence