The Declaration of Independence…

Objectives You should be able to: – Identify and explain the immediate events leading to the drafting of the Declaration of Independence ( Prohibitory Act, Richard Henry Lee’s resolution, the Committee of Five, etc.) – Analyze the key components of the Declaration of Independence! – Rewrite sections of the Declaration of Independence in modern language

I lead, you follow…Any questions WHO makes the rules you don't like WHO decides if the rules are fair or not HOW would you get the rules changed WHAT does it mean to be independent from the rules HOW does a group of people declare that they will no longer follow the rules? – So based on what you stated, what options to the colonists have at this point?!?

Leading Toward Independence May 1775: Second Continental Congress convenes in Philadelphia January 1776: Thomas Paine publishes Common Sense February 1776: Britain passes the Prohibitory Act – Established a blockade of American ports and declared American ships to be enemy vessels.

In West Philadelphia born and raised…

Now this is the story all about how Colonial life got flipped, turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there I'll tell you how I became the patriot sittin’ here in this chair. Now this is the story all about how Colonial life got flipped, turned upside down And I'd like to take a minute just sit right there I'll tell you how I became the patriot sittin’ here in this chair.

Colonial “Feelings” Some delegates hoped for eventual independence, but no one yet advocated declaring it – Resistance was centered in the middle colonies of New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware

A Bold Measure May 1776: Richard Henry Lee introduces a resolution (or a formal statement): – “These United Colonies are, and of right out to be, free and independent states.” – Vote: 12 yeas, one abstention (NY) Rebel WITH A Cause

The Committee of Five Drafted and presented to the Congress what became known as America's Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776 – John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut

John Adams

Structure of the Declaration of Independence Introduction: I.Called the Preamble 3 parts of the Declaration: II.Purpose and natural rights on which the nation was founded (Enlightenment) “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.” When the rights are violated, they can abolish their government and create a new one.

The Declaration of Independence III. List of grievances (British wrongs) – 28 wrongs were listed IV.Dissolving the bonds (Actions) – What the signers intend to do and why – Become the United States of America – All political connection is dissolved – Solemn pledge

What if Dr. Seuss had written the Declaration of Independence? What would it have sounded like? Free

“…I meant what I said And I said what I meant…. An elephant’s faithful One hundred per cent!” Free

We rid ourselves from this tie, we rid ourselves so we must say goodbye. We have some rights that you denied…..

Group #1: The Preamble (Paragraph #1) Group #2: “We hold these truths…Safety and Happiness” Group #3: Prudence, indeed will dictate…provide new Guards for their future security.” Group #4: Such has been the patient sufferance…candid world.” Group #5: In every stage of the Oppressions…”ruler of a free people” Group #6: Nor have we been wanting in attention…Enemies in War in Peace Friends.” Group #7: We, therefore, the Representatives…our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”

Discussion Questions… 1.Jefferson chose to begin the Declaration with the words, “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America.” Do you feel this was necessary? Why or why not? Could the 13 colonies have declared independence if they were not unanimous? Why or why not?

Discussion Questions 2.According to Jefferson, what was the purpose of government? 3.What does Jefferson suggest should happen whenever government becomes “destructive of the ends for which it was created?” 4.According to Jefferson, how do governments derive their powers?

Discussion Questions 5.Jefferson noted that “all men are created equal,” suggesting that this was “self-evident.” Speculate as to what he meant by that statement. 6.What sorts of conflicts and misconceptions may have stemmed from this statement?

The Declaration of Independence July 4, 1776 – Unanimously voted to accept the Declaration of Independence John Hancock’s GINORMOUS signature was the first and only one to sign on July 4 th August 2 – Official signing – No turning back now folks! – Each signer was officially a traitor

"Indeed we must all hang together, otherwise we shall most assuredly hang separately.”

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. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government…