1. Bellwork  Think back over our debate  When faced with the idea of independence, do you think all the colonies agreed? Why or Why not?  Jot down some of your ideas at the top of your notes.  Think back over our debate  When faced with the idea of independence, do you think all the colonies agreed? Why or Why not?  Jot down some of your ideas at the top of your notes.

2. Declaration of Independence

3. Before hand  Many petitions sent to England, attempts to discuss problems before war  Olive Branch Petition- drafted by John Dickenson (Quaker)- pleading with England to address issues without violence- reasserting colonists’ loyalties to the Crown  King George III refused to even receive the petition  Convinced colonists the Crown could not be reasoned with.  Many petitions sent to England, attempts to discuss problems before war  Olive Branch Petition- drafted by John Dickenson (Quaker)- pleading with England to address issues without violence- reasserting colonists’ loyalties to the Crown  King George III refused to even receive the petition  Convinced colonists the Crown could not be reasoned with.

4. Beginnings  Debate between Patriots and Loyalists  Patriots-Supported the American Revolution against England  Loyalists- Lived in the colonies and supported the King.  Introduced by Richard Henry Lee to the Second Continental Congress  Committee formed to draft documents- Thomas Jefferson- finished in just 2 days  Originally held phrases condemning England for encouraging the slave trade  Eliminated to unite the colonies  Debate between Patriots and Loyalists  Patriots-Supported the American Revolution against England  Loyalists- Lived in the colonies and supported the King.  Introduced by Richard Henry Lee to the Second Continental Congress  Committee formed to draft documents- Thomas Jefferson- finished in just 2 days  Originally held phrases condemning England for encouraging the slave trade  Eliminated to unite the colonies

5. Nature of the Document  Influenced by the Enlightenment  Time of change in Europe- new ways of thinking  Emphasis on logic, science, and reason.  Established fundamental principles of American Democracy  Right to overthrow unjust governments  List of grievances against England  Influenced by the Enlightenment  Time of change in Europe- new ways of thinking  Emphasis on logic, science, and reason.  Established fundamental principles of American Democracy  Right to overthrow unjust governments  List of grievances against England