7.2 Declaring Independence Goals: How did Thomas Paine’s Common Sense influence the colonies? What were the main ideas stated in the Declaration of Independence? How did Americans react to the Declaration of Independence?

Paine’s Common Sense Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, argued for breaking away from Great Britain. It became popular because of its message and style – written for “common people” to read. Said that people, not kings, should make the laws. Helped change the way many colonists viewed Britain.

Declaring Independence 2nd Continental Congress created a committee to write a document declaring the colonies’ independence. Main author was Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was inspired by Enlightenment writer, John Locke, who said people had the right to life, liberty and property.

The Declaration of Independence has 3 main ideas: Jefferson argued all men possess unalienable rights (life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness). King George III had violated those rights by passing unfair laws, interfering w/ colonial self-gov’t, and taxing w/o consent. The colonies had the right to break away from Great Britain.

On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence. This act broke all ties to the British Crown. The United States of America was born.

Patriot or Loyalist? “Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!” -Patrick Henry More than 100,000 Loyalists fled the colonies during the Revolution.

Other Reactions to the Declaration “All men are created equal” Who does this leave out? Does this mean all men? Women, African Americans, American Indians rights not recognized. The Revolution raised questions about whether slavery should exist in a land that valued liberty.