1. Warm-up 10/9/13
Has anyone ever done something to you that you considered to be inexcusable or unforgivable? If you cannot relate personally, you can refer to the experience of a friend or TV show.
Write out your answer in complete sentences

2. Video Debrief Who was the main character/singer in the video?
What are some things stated that it was “too late to apologize” for?
What person or group of people were the men at the table referring to?
There was a number written on the drum at the end of the video? What was the significance of that number?
Interpret the first line of the song. What is meant by “Half way across the world and we’re standing on new ground?” How does this quote relate to the rebellion in the colonies?

3. The Declaration of Independence

4. The chart below contains a list of wrongs done by King George the III
The chart below contains a list of wrongs done by King George the III. Mark (X) on the Wrongs that you consider to be too harsh to forgive. Circle the Wrongs that you believe the colonist could have worked on a compromise.
He has changed the way our colonies are governed by canceling our charters
He has not allowed us to have jury trials. 
He has taxed us without consulting us
He has said that he will not protect us from our enemies
He has forced us to keep troops in our houses.
He has made war upon our people and our land.
He has stopped us from trading with any other country.
He has plundered our Seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our People
He has not passed laws that help the colonists.

5. Historical Context Thomas Jefferson About The Author
Born on April 13, 1743 in Virginia to a wealthy planting family.
He was very well educated. Attended The College of William & Mary.
Served in the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Was unanimously chosen by the Committee of Five to prepare a draft of the Declaration alone.

6. He believed in the separation of church and state.
Jefferson’s Viewpoint on the Government & Main Events of the Time Period
He believed in the separation of church and state.
He believed that the colonies had the right to overthrow a tyrannical government.
Common Sense is published by Thomas Paine
North Carolina produces the Halifax Resolves making it the first British colony to officially authorize its delegates to vote for independence.
Richard Henry Lee of Virginia proposes a resolution calling for a Declaration of Independence.
Virginia Declaration of Rights by George Mason is adopted by the Virginia Convention of Delegates.
The Delaware General Assembly votes to suspend government under the British Crown

7. Intended Audience
International audience- Specifically Great Britain and other major colonial powers of the world
The document was speaking from and to the point of view of those wanting independence from England.

8. Four Major Parts of the Declaration of Independence
Part One- The Preamble explains why the Continental Congress made the Declaration, saying that when a country becomes independent, they should be able to their reasons why.
When a government abuses it’s power, the people have the right to overthrow it.
“That whenever any form of Government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it…

9. Four Major Parts of the Declaration of Independence
Part Two- A Declaration of Rights states the equality of men and the rights of citizens to be protected from an abusive government
All men are created equal.
“We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.
Men are given by God certain unalienable rights.
“They are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
We have the natural right by God to declare our independence from England and that governments derive their authority from the consent of the people.
“Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

10. Four Major Parts of the Declaration of Independence
Part Three- A Bill of Indictment or List of Grievances states the abuses King George III took upon the colonists, such as the laws he made the colonists follow. It also states the other unjust things the King did to them.
A list of 27 grievances or wrong doings of King George III and his officials in the colonies.
“He has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.”

11. Four Major Parts of the Declaration of Independence
Part Four- A Statement of Independence wraps up the whole Declaration, asking the King to correct the laws and at the end it states their independence from Britain.
The colonies tried repeatedly to compromise with King George, but has been a tyrant.
“Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.
An official declaration of freedom from British rule.
“by the authority of the good people of these colonies, solemnly publish and declare, that these united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states”

12. Historical Significance
Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence
Historical Significance
The American Colonies finally declared their independence from England in July of 1776
It was the first step in the creation of a new nation.

13. Credits and Sources
Rakove, Jack N. "Declaration of Independence." World Book Online Reference Center   Internet 1/12/2007< Declaration of Independence July 4, History central. 22 Jan 2007 <
Ritchie, Donald A.. "The Declaration of Independence."American History The Early Years to (Social Studies Book)