The Declaration of INdependence

Definitions Independence – freedom from something or someone Petitions – To formally request or ask for something Traitors – Those who have switched sides and went against their own country

Finding Independence After the battles of Lexington and Concord, news spread of the British massacres of innocent militiamen Americans were upset and shocked Americans decided it was time to gain their independence from Britain They knew standing up to Britain was bound to lead to war

Patrick Henry Most outspoken advocate for independence From Virginia Gave the famous speech that included, “There is no room for hope. If we wish to be free…we must fight! Our chains are forged. Their clanking can be heard on the plains of Boston. The war is inevitable – and let it come!”

The War Begins The New England militia needed a commander The Continental Congress figured a “New Englander” should lead John Adams proposed to congress a “Continental Army” made up of all colonies, not just New England Congress agreed and they nominated George Washington to lead It was a unanimous decision to make Washington in charge

Battle of Bunker Hill Militia men took over Breed’s Hill and erected a fort The British were worried when they saw the fort The militia’s commander, Israel Putnam, told his men not to fire at the British until they “saw the whites of their eyes.” The British had to attack 3 times before taking control of the hill. The American’s stood their ground, but ran out of gunpowder. This was a very short, bloody encounter Over 1,000 British troops were killed or injured, and nearly half that many Americans. A war had begun

Washington’s Army When Washington took charge of his new army, he realized what a “mixed multitude” of people there were in his army His army had very little discipline, order or government Washington worked hard to impose order

Gunpowder Tales Washington’s army only had 36 barrels of gunpowder He started a rumor to make the British believe he had 1800 barrels of gunpowder – more than they could even use! The British believed this rumor, and Washington sent desperate letters to the colonies begging for gunpowder Washington was able to get the gunpowder he needed

Ticonderoga Washington needed artillery – guns, cannons, etc. He sent Henry Knox to round up some artillery Ticonderoga was an old British fort in New York Militiamen had seized the fort a few months back Though they had no use for the fort, the fort’s weapons would prove to be priceless Knox accumulated 59 cannons and 2,300 lbs of lead for bullets

The British Flee On March 4, 1776 the British awoke to cannons surrounding them Rather than risk another bloodshed, the British fled the city Within days, more than 100 British ships left the Boston Harbor with over 9,000 British troops, and 1,100 Loyalist who did not want to live with rebels The war had just begun!

Questions Day 1 Who was an outspoken supporter for independence from Britian? Who won the battle of Bunker Hill? What decision did the Continental Congress make about forming an army? Who was chosen to lead it? In 5 sentences, explain The Battle of Bunker Hill. Why did George Washington lie about the number of barrels of gunpowder he had? Why did the British abandon Boston?

Olive Branch Petition Olive branches are symbols of peace The Americans hoped that the petition they sent to King George in July 1775 would help create peace between Britain and the colonies. Instead, the King called the colonists traitors and rebellious The King wanted the traitors “brought to justice”. The colonists knew they had to fight for their independence or they would be British property

“Common Sense” A patriot named Thomas Paine published a fiery pamphlet called “Common Sense” saying we did not owe loyalty to the king. That Americans were better off without British control He felt America should be a “homeland of liberty”. Within a few months, 12, 000 copies of Common Sense were printed and Americans saw his views as sensible.

Jefferson Drafts a Declaration After the British left Boston, the Continental Congress appointed a committee to write a formal document of independence. The task of drafting the document was given to the committee’s youngest member, Thomas Jefferson, at age 33. Jefferson was a shy man, but spoke brilliantly with his pen.

Natural Rights Jefferson was tasked in the document to write about why the colonies wanted to be separate from Britain. Jefferson’s explanation was simple, yet revolutionary. He said that, “all people are born equal in God’s sight, and all are entitled to the same basic rights.” He argued that the government was formed to “secure these rights” and their power to rule should come from the people they protect.

The King’s Crimes According to Jefferson, the King “showed no concern for the rights of colonists” and was “unfit to be the ruler of a free people”. The time had come to “cut ties” with Britain and become free, independent states.

Questions Day 2 What does the olive branch represent? Draw a picture of what you think the “Common Sense” printed paper looked like. What honor was Jefferson given as the youngest member of the Continental Congress? What were the natural rights that Jefferson argued all people should have? Why did the colonist feel that King George was “unfit to be the ruler of a free people”?

The Independence Debate On July 1, 1776, the Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to debate independence. The temperature was into the mid 90s by noon and a storm was not only brewing inside, but outside as well. Emotions were high and the debate was left undecided On July 2, it was cooler and calmer, and 12 of the 13 colonies voted for independence. New York cast no vote. No delegate was more excited about the news than John Adams.

Debate over Slavery Though the vote was made on July 2, it would take two more days to get an approval of the document due to a slavery issue. Jefferson mentioned that all people had the right to life and liberty, including those of distant lands. However, there was a fear that it would lead to demands to free all slaves and the Southern economy depended on slaves and slave trade. They did not want to blame the king for enslaving the Africans, so they decided to leave that part out of the declaration.

Independence Day! On July 4, 1776, the delegates approved a final version of the Declaration of Independence . As the delegates stepped forward to sign the document, they each vowed to support independence with their “lives, fortunes, and sacred honor”. This was a serious pledge, as each signer was committing an act of treason against Great Britain. If the US failed to win it’s freedom, then each of them could be hanged for treason.

Assignment Day 3 You may choose from either of the following options: You may draw the scene of the Second Continental Congress signing the Declaration of Independence OR Write a 2 pg paper on the Slavery Debate that took place.