1. The Declaration of Independence

2. Second Continental Congress
June 1776
Committee created to write a document declaring the colonies independence
John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Robert R. Livingston, and Roger Sherman
Declaration of Independence announced a formal break with England

3. Jefferson’s Arguments
1. All men are created equal and possess unalienable rights. The rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.
2. King George III had violated these rights by passing unfair laws and interfering with colonial governments (taxing)
3. Government and rulers must protect the rights of its citizens. The King had broken this social contract and so they have a right to break away

4. July 4th! July 4, 1776 Congress approved the Declaration
Broke all ties to England

5. Choosing Sides Patriots-chose to fight for independence
Loyalists, also called Tories-remained loyal to England

6. Traitors?
All the men who signed were considered traitors to England and could be put to death
John Hancock signed his name the biggest, so King George wouldn’t have to put his glasses on to read it.

7. Did the Declaration include all?
Ignored women
Abigail Adams tried to influence her husband (John Adams) to include women
Ignored slaves
Slavery was legal in the colonies

8. Questions Who was the main author?
What were the 3 main ideas of the document?
What basic idea about people and government does the Declaration have?
What did the authors hope to achieve by writing it?

9. Go through the Declaration of Independence and create a bubble map of any words or phrases that stand out to you.