1. The Decision for Independence
APUSH
Mrs. Housenick
9/18/12

2. Hesitation for Independence
Ingrained loyalty to empire
Colonial unity still not fully developed
Open rebellion still dangerous
Army officers still toasting— “God save the king”!

3. What changed? Saw harsh British acts during warfare Hiring of Hessians
Most importantly—Thomas Paine’s Common Sense

4. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense
1776—one of the most influential pamphlets ever written.
Best-seller, read all over colonies.
Said that fighting against the British without the goal of independence against common sense.

5. Common Sense as Propaganda
“Should we neglect the present favorable and inviting period, and independence be hereafter effected by any other means, we must charge the consequence to ourselves, or to those rather whose narrow and prejudiced souls are habitually opposing the measure, without either inquiring or reflecting. There are reasons to be given in support of independence which men should rather privately think of, than be publicly told of. We ought not now to be debating whether we shall be independent or not, but anxious to accomplish it on a firm, secure, and honorable basis, and uneasy rather that it is not yet began upon. Every day convinces us of its necessity.”

6. A Radical Idea! Not just independence, but creation of REPUBLIC
Power from the people
Roots from Greece and Rome
Already in practice in colonies—esp. New England town meeting
Civic virtue
Conflicts over what republicanism really meant

7. The Need for a Declaration
July 2nd 1776—Richard Henry Lee to Continental Congress—
“These United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.”
Still needed formal explanation
Something to rally people around cause

8. Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence
July 4, 1776
“Explanation of Independence”
Natural Rights
List of complaints against George III
“World’s greatest editorial”

9. Impact of Declaration Patriots now rebels, instant unity
Could more easily ask foreign countries for help
Source of inspiration for other revolutionary movements

10. “A War Within A War”
Not only fighting British soldiers, but also loyalists in America.
Loyalists=Tories
Patriots=Whigs
Need to win the hearts and minds of the colonial population—PATRIOTS BETTER AT THIS!

11. Who were the Loyalists? Only 16% of population
People of education, wealth and culture
People who worked for crown or part of Anglican church.
More in older generation
Were some who weren’t rich—especially British veterans, recent immigrants
AFRICAN AMERICANS

12. The Loyalist Exodus Not much brutality before Declaration
After, Loyalists seen as traitors.
Many harassed, imprisoned, some hanged
80,000 driven out or fled—land confiscated for Patriot cause.
Many went to fight for British, or served as spies.