1. Declaration of Independence
Chapter 4 Section 3

2. Background
During the first year of active warfare most of colonists were not certain whether they were
Vast majority of colonists still very loyal to England (1st or 2nd generation)
1. Fighting for their rights as English citizens within the Empire OR
2. Fighting for complete freedom/their independence
By the summer of 1776 – Colonists decided the War was for INDEPENDENCE! How did this happen?

3. Reasons
1. Colonists were outraged by British military conduct plus their use of mercenaries (hired soldiers – 30,000 Hessians to fight for them…12,000 remained in America after war)
2. Colonists believed that declaration would entitle captured Am. soldiers the status of prisoners of war rather than traitors to the crown
3. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” convinced colonists that independence was the only sensible goal…500,000 copies sold (Wrote in plain,clear simple English)
4. American forces had faired well against British troops inflicting heavy casualties and forcing them to evacuate Boston. Achievements instilled confidence in declaring independence
5. Colonial leaders believed independence would help the colonies to secure assistance from foreign nations – especially France who wanted revenge of the French and Indian War

4. Authorship of the Declaration of Independence
1. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams main contributors
2. Written chiefly by Thomas Jefferson – drew heavily on the ideas of John Locke
Exaggerated “all men are created equal” (slaves)
Some of the grievances against the King.
3. July 4th, 1776 – Second Continental Congress speaking for American colonists formally adopted the document

5. Basic Ideas of the Declaration
1. Introduction – “Preamble” – (Purpose and Rational of Declaration)
“dissolve the political bands which have connected them”
2. Democratic Philosophy of Government
Asserting the rights of all people
3. List of Grievances
Against the King and Parliament
4. Conclusion
Freedom and independence of the 13 colonies

6. Significance of the Declaration
1. Proclamation of New Ideas – for its time were revolutionary
2. Effects upon the American Revolution – elevated the colonial struggle and encouraged France and Spain to assist the colonists
3. Long –Term Effects Throughout the World – became a source of inspiration
4. Long – Term Effects Within the United States – inspired movements for democratic reforms