2. Declaration of Independence
What led to the writing of the
Declaration of Independence
and the
Revolutionary War?

3. French and Indian War Britain helped colonists defeat French in war
Britain needed money to pay for war expenses
Taxed colonists, restricted settlements and limited self-govt.

4. Sugar Act and Stamp Act
British taxed colonists on many of the goods coming into the colonies from other places
British imposed taxes upon all paper products and stamped the item once the tax had been played.

5. Without Representation!”
“No Taxation
Without Representation!”
Colonists react…

6. Various protests: Patrick Henry’s speech Sons and Daughters of Liberty
Boston Massacre
Benjamin Franklin’s visit to Parliament
Patrick Henry’s speech
Sons and Daughters of Liberty

8. Boston Tea Party Lower price on British tea Colonists still pay taxes
Boycotted British tea
Sons of Liberty dressed in disguise and dumped British tea overboard

9. King George III passes the Coercive or “Intolerable” Acts
The Royal Navy blockades the Boston Harbor so no colonial goods could be sent out until tea was paid for.
Colonists had to quarter the British soldiers.
The King assigned British General Gage to be Massachusetts governor.

10. First Continental Congress meets in Philadelphia

11. Conflict at Lexington & Concord
British General Gage learns of hidden weapons in Concord
Paul Revere and William Dawes make midnight ride to warn Minutemen of approaching British soldiers
Two lanterns hung in church tower to warn the British coming by “sea” (Charles River)

12. Second Continental Congress
Representatives brought money to help establish…
the Continental Army
(i.e. pay soldiers, buy guns, bullets, food, and uniforms)

13. the freedom to govern on one’s own.
declaration : (n)
an official statement
independence : (n)
the freedom to govern on one’s own.

14. June 7, 1776 Approved July 2, 1776 “that these United Colonies are,
and of right out to be,
free and independent States …
Approved July 2, 1776
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia

15. Who was involved? Benjamin Franklin John Adams Robert R. Livingston
Roger Sherman
Thomas Jefferson

16. Where did it all take place?
This is a replica of the Graff house where Jefferson wrote the majority of the 1st draft of the Declaration of Independence. The original building (at this location) was destroyed in 1888.

17. Thomas Jefferson & John Locke
European Enlightenment*
English philosopher
“Social Contract” – people obey if government protects right and liberties
Broken contract = lawful replacement
1st: Theoretical justification to rebel
2nd: Establish a violation had occurred
*movement that emphasized the importance of human reason and individual rights.

18. As it was signed, delegates feared for their lives.
Ï shall have a great advantage over you
when we are all hung for what we are doing…
From the size and weight of my
body I shall die in a few minutes,
but from the lightness of your body
you will dance in the air for an hour or two
before you are dead.
As it was signed, delegates feared for their lives.
Elbridge Gerry, MA
Benjamin Harrison, VA

19. Who signed it first?

21. Parts of the Declaration
Preamble
Declaration of Natural Rights
List of Grievances
Resolution of Independence

22. Hollywood Reads the Declaration
Independence Hall

23. Why is it historically significant?
April to early July 1776 there were 90 declarations of independence from 9 colonies.

24. Government exists to protect the rights of the people and they have a right to overthrow an unjust or tyrannical government.
People are equal in their right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

25. Fireworks
Firework

26. What happened to the men who risked their lives to sign?
See Word document The Price they paid and Declaration of Independence