1. Declaring Independence
CN2.3
What were four factors that led to the drafting and approval of the Declaration of Independence?
How can the formation of the American government be seen as an illustration of the Enlightenment philosophy?

2. Jot thoughts
On your paper list as many specific event that caused the American Revolution as possible

3. Jot thoughts
Categorize them as political, social, and economic by placing a P, S, or E next to each event.
Was the revolution caused by more political, social or economic reasons?

4. So What Really Caused the American Revolution?
As a group, Rank the following events according to their significance in causing the American Revolution. Be sure to defend/justify each of your rankings. (one paper per group)
Tea Act
Mercantilism
Proclamation Line of 1763
Virtual Representation
Boston Massacre
Stamp Act
Boston Tea Party
Coercive/Intolerable Acts
Battle of Lexington and Concord
Declaratory Act
Sugar Act
Quartering Act
French and Indian War

5. Propaganda #2: The Boston Massacre Etching
Why do you think the artist use the word massacre in the title of the engraving?
How do you think colonists who viewed this image thought about the colonists? About the British soldiers?
Do you think this convinced other colonists to agree with independence from Britain? Why or Why not? Explain you answer using 3 pieces of evidence from the cartoon.

6. Was the Declaration of Independence an example of Revolutionary propaganda?

7. Common Sense Document 2a
When considering colonists’ reactions to British Acts and Paine’s argument in Common Sense, what kind of government do you think Americans want?
Why are the British trying to keep control of the colonies?
What are some reasons that Thomas Paine gives for splitting from Britain.

8. Background to Declaration of Independence
Mercantilism: economic policy from in which nations encouraged exports as a means of collecting gold and silver
Government controls all trade
Colonies ensured a safe and steady stream of raw materials for England, including fur, fish, cotton, tobacco, and indigo
Colonies were expected to import manufactured and processed goods like iron products and tea
Navigation Act: England regulated what its colonies could and could not trade

9. Background to the Declaration of Independence
After England won the French and Indian War, King George III demanded control over the colonies
King George and Parliament felt the colonists should bear some of the costs and administration of the areas acquired from France.
Parliament passed several new acts designed to shift to the Americans some of the cost of defense

10. Background to the Declaration of Independence
Stamp Act: required that all printed materials be stamped to indicate that tax had been paid
England began to change trade policies as well by used a new monopoly on tea
Colonists were angered over the taxes
“No taxation without representation”
Stamp Act was repealed in 1766
Boston Massacre 1770 rioting over taxes and the British soldiers killed a man outside of the courthouse in Boston. Crispus Attucks first to die

11. Why Did the Declaration of Independence Happen?
Boston Tea Party: a group of angry colonists boarded 3 ships in Boston and threw the tea overboard
Intolerable Acts series of laws designed to punish the people of Massachusetts. It limited the power of the colonial legislature, required quartering of British soldiers and closed the port of Boston
First Continental Congress formed

12. QUIZ CH. 6-8

13. Second Continental Congress 1775-1776
Convened May 19, 1775
George Washington appointed Commander in Chief of the Continental Forces
Appointed 5 men to write a declaration stating the colonies intent and reasons for independence
January 1776 Common Sense by Thomas Paine explained why there should be independence to the public

14. Resolution of Differences
Second Continental Congress drafted the Declaration of Independence. Approved for signature July 2
July Declaration was adopted
Severed ties with Great Britain

15. Declaration of Independence
Wanted to make sure the document explained why the colonists wanted to separate
The second paragraph lays down the philosophy for the decision.
“All men are equal”
Government was to protect “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” fundamental rights of all
When the government failed to do so, citizens have a right to overthrow it
Overthrow is not for trivial reasons, but when treatment becomes “absolute despotism”

16. Three Basic Principles of the Declaration of Independence
Natural Rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
Popular Sovereignty: People are the source of political authority
Order: Importance of stability, overthrowing a government is only the last resort

17. List of Grievances that were Improper Actions by the King
Dismissing colonial legislatures and denying the colonists their right for self- government
Tax the colonists without their consent
Maintaining an army in the colonies without the consent of the legislature and elevating the military above civilian authority
Forcing colonists to house British soldiers in their house

18. List of Grievances that were Improper Actions by the King
Making judges dependent on the King for their salaries and their tenure in office
Refusing colonists the right to a fair trial in front of a jury of their peers
Cutting off the trade of the colonies
Abolishing the Charters, forms of government, and important laws of the colonies
Refusing to address colonial grievances
Renouncing the King’s authority to govern the colonies by waging war on them
Encouraging domestic violence and Indian attacks on the colonies

19. Impact Today
Ideals of equality led to Civil War, Women’s Rights and the Civil Rights Movement
Influenced the French Revolution in their Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen in 1789
Latin American Movements of 1890s
Vietnam War: Ho Chi Minh used it as a reason to invade the south

20. Enlightenment Philosophers ideas
There were many philosophers in Europe that were writing books about Government and equality. Here are some of there ideas:
Equal rights: The belief that all persons, regardless of sex, race, ethnicity, age, etc., have the same rights as everyone else.
Consent of the governed: The political theory that governments gain their authority from their people. A government is not valid if the people do not give their consent.
Social Contract: the idea that people give up some of their rights to protect the common good.
Separation of Powers: the principle of dividing the powers of a government among different branches to guard against abuse of authority.

21. Changing Roles of Women Doc. Journal Entry 2b
How was the development of the “Republican Motherhood” a departure from the norm?
In what ways are the Enlightenment ideas reflected through the “Republican Motherhood”?
How does the “Republican Motherhood” set the stage for future women’s rights movements?

22. Exit Slip
What were four factors that led to the drafting and approval of the Declaration of Independence?
How can the formation of the American government be seen as an illustration of the Enlightenment philosophy?
What were three purposes of the Declaration of Independence?
What were 4 grievances that the American Colonists had against Great Britain in 1776?