1. Chapter 6 Section 1

2. Common Sense In January 1776, a pamphlet appeared on the streets of Philadelphia. “I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense,” said its author, Thomas Paine. The pamphlet, Common Sense, created a stir. Paine boldly urged the colonies to declared their independence.

3. Thomas Paine Paine attacked the idea of having a king and queen. He said that it took months to await an answer from the king regarding petitions. Paine’s reasoning was so clear that he won many colonists to the idea of independence. In 6 months, more than 500,000 copies were printed and sold.

4. Virginia’s Resolution Paine’s pamphlet increased support for independence within the Continental Congress. In May 1776, Virginia authorized its delegates to support independence. Soon after, Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution or formal statement of opinion to Congress. The Virginia resolution proclaimed that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States.”

5. The Fateful Step Delegates faced a difficult decision. There could be no turning back if they declared independence. If they fell into British hands, they would be hanged as traitors. A traitor is a person who betrays his or her country.

6. Thomas Jefferson Before voting on Lee’s resolution, Congress appointed a committee to draw up a statement stating the reasons for separation from Britain. Thomas Jefferson, a 33 year old delegate from Virginia, was given the task of composing the declaration. Although he was known to be shy, Jefferson was also known for his graceful writing style.

7. Writing the Declaration The delegates took a fateful step. They chose a committee to draw up a declaration of independence. The committee included John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert Livingston, and Roger Sherman. Their job was to tell the world why the colonies were breaking away from Britain.

8. The Preamble The Declaration begins with a preamble, or introduction. It says that “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” requires that Americans explain why they are breaking away from Britain.

9. Three main parts of the Declaration Natural Rights - The first part of the Declaration of Independence describes the basic rights on which the nation was founded. Jefferson wrote: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

10. British Wrongs or List of Grievances The second part of the Declaration of Independence lists the wrongs committed by England or specific grievances (formal complaints) against King George III of England. Jefferson carefully showed how George III had abused his power. He listed wrongs such as sending troops to the colonies in times of peace. He also stated that the king deprived the colonists of trial by jury which was established by the Magna Carta as a basic right. He stated that the king imposed taxes without the consent of the colonists.

11. An Independent Nation/ Dissolving the Bonds The last part of the Declaration announces that the colonies had become the United States of America. All ties with Britain were cut or dissolved. As a free and independent nation, the United States could make alliances and trade with other countries.

12. Choosing Sides Opinions were divided. Some colonists were Patriots - people who supported independence. Some colonists were Loyalists - people who remained loyal to Britain. There were many loyalists from wealthy merchants to farmers. Loyalists risked being tarred and feathered by Patriots. Many Loyalists fled from America to England or Canada. Others found shelters in cities controlled by Britain. Those who fled lost their homes, stores, and farms.

13. The Declaration of Independence On July 2, the Continental Congress voted that the 13 colonies were “free and independent” States. Two days later, on July 4, 1776, the delegates accepted the Declaration of Independence. Since then, Americans have celebrated July 4th as Independence Day.

14. John Hancock John Hancock, the president of the Continental Congress, signed the Declaration first. He penned his signature boldly, in large, clear letters. He said, “There, I guess King George will be able to read that.”