The Declaration of Independence

Why Do Americans celebrate the 4th of July holiday? Opener Question Why Do Americans celebrate the 4th of July holiday?

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John Locke The works of John Locke (1632–1704), well-known English political philosopher, provided many Americans with the philosophical arguments for inalienable natural rights, principally those of property and of rebellion against abusive governments.

George Mason A call for American independence from Britain, the Virginia Declaration of Rights was drafted by George Mason in May 1776 and amended by Thomas Ludwell Lee and the Virginia Convention. Thomas Jefferson drew heavily from it when he drafted the Declaration of Independence one month later. This uniquely influential document was also used by James Madison in drawing up the Bill of Rights (1789).

Declaration of Independence Parts Preamble Part 1 – Natural Rights of Man Part 2 – List of Grievances Part 3 – Announcement of Separation

Declaration of Independence Graphic Organizer Preamble – p. 1 Part 1: Natural Rights of Man – pp. 2-3 Part 2: List of Grievances – pp. 4-10 Part 3: Announcement of Separation – pp. 11-12

Preamble Introduction The colonists feel that they must explain to the world the reasons why they are separating from Britain.

Part One: The Natural Rights of Man Stresses the rights that belong to all people from birth “Unalienable rights”= rights that can’t be taken away Famous Quotes: “All men are created equal”, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” People set up governments to protect these rights. People can change the government if it isn’t protecting them.

Part Two: List of Grievances A list of the 27 wrongs done to the 13 colonies by the British government Divided into three sets: - King’s unjust use of power - Unjust acts of Parliament - Warlike acts of the king

Part Three – Announcement of Separation As representatives of the U.S., they declare that they are free and independent states No longer loyal to the king The signers promise their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor.”

Declaration of Independence Facts Committee of Five: Thomas Jefferson Benjamin Franklin Robert Livingston Roger Sherman John Adams July 2nd: Voted to be independent July 4th: Adopted the document (DOI)

Abigail Adams and the Declaration of Independence Why doesn’t the Declaration of Independence address women’s issues discussed in Abigail Adams’s letter?

Frederick Douglass What is Douglass saying concerning African Americans in relation to the Declaration of Independence?