Declaring Independence Chapter 8 Lesson 5 Pages 324-331

Moving Toward Independence Thomas Paine – wrote Common Sense Ideas were expressed of colonists should rule themselves.

Congress Debates Independence Independence – the freedom to govern themselves John Adams argues for independence at the 2nd Continental Congress June 7, 1776 Richard Henry Lee declares independence from Britain Resolution – a formal group statement of independence

A Declaration is Written Declaration – an official statement Thomas Jefferson – VA – Lawyer – Wrote the Declaration of Independence

Declaration of Independence Preamble – the first part, the introduction Explained why the colonists had the right to break away

Rights and Grievances All people have rights that government can’t take away All people had the right to: Live Be free Seek their own happiness The longest part of the declaration is lists the grievances (complaints) against the king.

Congress Approves the Declaration July 4, 1776 Congress voted to accept the Declaration of Independence Public reading at Independence Hall John Adams writes that we should celebrate independence for future generations

A Dangerous Decision John Hancock – president of the Congress Signs it large so King can read it without his glasses “John Hancock” = Signature If they lost the war, the signers would be tried for treason Punishment = death

Forming a New Government Articles of Confederation – the 1st form of government Committee was head by John Dickinson

Articles of Confederation Approved 1777 Each 1 vote – 1 representative in a national Confederation Congress Made laws for the new nation until 1789

Weaknesses of the Articles Power is left with the states To pass National law – 9 of 13 states agree If passed, Congress had no power to enforce Congress could: make treaties, declare war, & borrow $$ Could Not: collect taxes or control trade Defense was by states