1. 1.3 Declaration of Independence and Democracy

2. Background Info- America: as a Nation
Born of the enlightenment
Acceptance of the principle of freedom
Looking for better life
Strong middle class
Egalitarian feelings
Lack of a dominant church
Technical/scientific orientation

3. Implementation of Enlightened Concepts
First and second Continental Congress
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense- argued for independence

4. Declaration of Independence
Inspired by:
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense”
Made better with Jefferson’s creativity
The Enlightenment
Written for the colonists loyal to the King and directed at the King
Was very risky
Established a break from England; must still must fight in the American Revolution and win

5. Impact of Declaration of Independence
Americans made it possible to enter into an alliance with other nations.
French king didn’t support the ideals of democracy, but following the success Saratoga, they began to provide $/resources to colonists
proved invaluable to victory at Yorktown.
Had an impact on the newly formed state govts and the Articles of Confederation

6. Impact cont.
Postwar Americans began to put the principles of the Declaration into practice.
States in the North passed laws that provided for the gradual emancipation of slaves.
States also provided for freedom of religion.
Restricted the right to vote to those who owned property (ownership was widespread at this point so many males could exercise that right).
Still, the principles of the Declaration of Independence remained unfulfilled for certain groups.