Ch. 4.2 Declaring Independence The Big Idea The colonies formally declared their independence from Great Britain. Main Ideas Thomas Paine’s Common Sense led many colonists to support independence. Colonists had to choose sides when independence was declared. The Declaration of Independence did not address the rights of all colonists.

47 page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine Main Idea 1: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense led many colonists to support independence. Paine’s Common Sense: 47 page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine Published in January 1776—distributed in Philadelphia Urged separation from Great Britain

Paine’s Common Sense: Argued that citizens, not monarchs, should make laws (Radical idea – NOT the normal practice of the day!) Written as a common person speaking to common people (Unusual – most literature was written “over the head” of the average person.) Argued for economic freedom and the right to military self-defense Against tyranny--abuse of government power Sold 500,000 copies—Changed colonial view of the king

Independence Declared Main Idea 2: Colonists had to choose sides when independence was declared. Independence Declared June 1776 -- Second Continental Congress created a committee with the goal of writing a document declaring independence. Created a seal with the motto: “E pluribus unum” = “Out of the many, one” Symbolizes the individual states uniting

A New Philosophy of Government Declaration of Independence formally announced break with Great Britain. Thomas Jefferson was main author. Three Main Ideas: All people have unalienable rights (life liberty, pursuit of happiness….) King George III has violated colonists rights Taxation without consent Unfair laws and interference Military presence is a burden Colonies had a right to break away—based on “Social Contract” ideals (Gov. protects the rights of citizens, and citizens agree to be governed.) Approved by Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 – Broke all ties with Britain.

Choosing Sides Loyalists Loyalists, colonists who remained loyal to Britain – a.k.a. Tories About 20 to 30 percent of Americans were Loyalists. Patriots Patriots chose to fight for independence. Considered traitors About 40 to 45 percent of Americans were Patriots. Neutral About 25 percent of Americans remained neutral. Families torn apart—example: Ben Franklin (P) & son William Franklin (L) Native Americans-neutral at first, but soon recruited by both sides

Main Idea 3: The Declaration of Independence did not address the rights of all colonists. Unfinished Business Declaration excluded many colonists. (No Attempt to address rights of minorities) Women: Many were Patriots—Abigail Adams attempted to influence her husband on behalf of women’s rights African Americans: Ironic that Declaration compared living under Britain to living as a slave. Native Americans: Despite Proclamation of 1763-- Pattern of disregard for rights of Native Americans continues—Land was too valuable!

The Declaration of Independence Rough Draft Final Draft