1.3 Declaration of Independence and Democracy

Background Info- America: as a Nation Born of the enlightenment Acceptance of the principle of freedom Looking for better life Strong middle class Egalitarian feelings Lack of a dominant church Technical/scientific orientation

Implementation of Enlightened Concepts First and second Continental Congress Thomas Paine’s Common Sense- argued for independence

Declaration of Independence Inspired by: Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” Made better with Jefferson’s creativity The Enlightenment Written for the colonists loyal to the King and directed at the King Was very risky Established a break from England; must still must fight in the American Revolution and win

Impact of Declaration of Independence Americans made it possible to enter into an alliance with other nations. French king didn’t support the ideals of democracy, but following the success Saratoga, they began to provide $/resources to colonists proved invaluable to victory at Yorktown. Had an impact on the newly formed state govts and the Articles of Confederation

Impact cont. Postwar Americans began to put the principles of the Declaration into practice. States in the North passed laws that provided for the gradual emancipation of slaves. States also provided for freedom of religion. Restricted the right to vote to those who owned property (ownership was widespread at this point so many males could exercise that right). Still, the principles of the Declaration of Independence remained unfulfilled for certain groups.