Declaring Independence

Thomas Paine He believed that the problems with Britain could not be solved. He wrote a pamphlet called Common Sense. His idea was that the colonists should rule themselves.

What does “independence” mean? Means freedom to govern one’s self

Second Continental Congress The congress began to talk about it. John Adams was very much for it He believed it was the only way for the colonists to have liberty. June 16, 1776 – Richard Henry Lee called for a resolution of independence

The Writing A committee was formed to write the declaration. Thomas Jefferson from Virginia was asked to write the first draft. Jefferson is seen as the main author . Others did share their ideas.

The Declaration of Independence 17 days to write the document. Jefferson wrote and then RE-wrote the Declaration of Independence. He carefully planned what he wanted it to say.

The Declaration of Independence The preamble is the first part This part tells WHY they had to break away from Britain The next part tells about the colonists main ideas about government Certain rights that the government CANNOT take away. Life, liberty (freedom) and pursuit of happiness

The Declaration of Independence The longest part is a list of grievances (complaints against King George III and Parliament) Here they list the ways they tried to settle the differences. The last section Jefferson writes that the colonies are free and independent states.

Congress Approves! June 28, 1776 the declaration is read to the delegates. They talk about it for several days and make changes. July 2, 1776 they vote on it.

July 4, 1776 On this date they to accept the Declaration of Independence. On July 8th, it is read to a large crowd outside the Pennsylvania State House. On Aug. 2, 1776 it is signed by the members. John Hancock was the first to sign n a LARGE BOLD signature He did it so the King could see it in England

Danger! It was dangerous to sign the declaration. The King wanted to end the rebellion. If they lost the war, the signers would be tried for treason. The punishment would be death.

Forming a New Government The 2nd Continental Congress set up a committee to work on uniting the 13 colonies. Articles of Confederation was written Each state had one vote in Congress Weak Most of the power was with the states 9 out of 13 had to agree on a law Didn’t have the power to enforce the laws it made

Articles of Confederation What they could do Declare war Make treaties Borrow money What they could NOT do Control trade Collect taxes (so how would they pay for the war?) Could ASK the states for money It made the Congress depend on the states for the nation’s defense Could ask for an army, but the states didn’t have to send soldiers to the army.

Comparing the Armies – Continental Army General George Washington was the commander of the Army Soldiers didn’t have uniforms Many didn’t have guns – carried spears and axes Many were farmers who enlisted to fight Most did not have military training Keeping the army fed and clothed was difficult Congress couldn’t raise enough money to buy everything they needed

Comparing the Armies The British Army Strongest army in the world Had experienced soldiers 50,000 in the colonies Had hired soldiers (the Hessians) But it was hard to supply them since they were 3,000 miles from Great Britain

Battle of Trenton Many of the colonial soldiers were ready to give up. Battles not going well Hungry and didn’t have proper clothing Wanted to go home Washington came up with a plan to attack the Hessians (German soldiers hired by Great Britain)

Battle of Trenton December 25, 1776 The Patriots rowed across the Delaware River and THEN marched 9 miles to Trenton The Hessians were sleeping The battle lasted only an hour when the Hessians surrendered.

Valley Forge The British had captured Philadelphia Planned to stay there during the winter It was comfortable there

Valley Forge The Continental Army moved to Valley Forge, PA Washington wanted to keep and eye on the British The army was tired and ragged Congress had no money to buy supplies Washington’s headquarters

Valley Forge Most soldiers clothes were in rags & shoes falling apart Food supplies were low But help was on it’s way A soldier’s home during the Winter at Valley Forge

Valley Forge Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben Was a German soldier Taught the Americans how to march and fight Helped the army gain confidence

Valley Forge Marquis de Lafayette Was just 20 years old Came from France to joint the Continental Army He spent his own money to help the soldiers Warm clothes and food

Others begin to help Benjamin Franklin when to France He was negotiating with the French government Asking for supplies and French soldiers to help Franklin argued that France would benefit by helping the new nation beat Britain After the Battle of Saratoga, the French agreed to help

Bibliography Thomas Paine (slide 2) http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2008676220/ Thomas Jefferson (slide 5) http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3a04331/ Declaration of Independence (Curry) [New York] : N. Currier, [between 1835 and 1856] http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/91795009/ Washington Crossing the Delaware (slide 17) http://www.loc.gov/pictures/resource/cph.3a08340/ Von Steuben (slice 21) http://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2002725153/