1. Lesson 6.4b: Declaring Independence

2. Today we will trace the events that led the colonies to declare their independence from Britain.

3. Vocabulary monarchy: rule by a king or queen committee:
group of people appointed to perform a specific service or task
unalienable:
cannot be taken away
adopted:
to accept by voting for
evident:
easily seen; clear

4. Check for Understanding
What are going to do today?
Have you ever be affected by a decision made by a committee?
People are sometimes just clueless. What are some things at school that should be evident. ?
Is having a cell phone an “unalienable” right?

5. What We Already Know…
The British king George III rejected Congress’ last appeal for peace, the ‘Olive Branch Petition,’ and sent more military units to America in 1775 to punish the colonies.

6. What We Already Know…
By 1776, colonial forces had already fought against British soldiers at Lexington, Concord, Fort Ticonderoga,
and Bunker Hill.

7. What We Already Know…
By 1776, a number of Americans were divided between those committed to independence, and an equal number wanted to remain loyal to the British Empire.

8. Common Sense
In early 1776, most Americans still wanted to be a part of Britain Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” helped to
change their minds.

9. Common Sense
The plain language that Paine used spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain.
Common Sense sold more than 100,000 copies in three months and was read by millions.

10. Common Sense
Paine made arguments that the monarchs were not only dishonest, but corrupt as well and rule as tyrants.

11. Common Sense
 "  Hither they have fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still."

12. Get your whiteboards and markers ready!

13. Why was Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, “Common Sense” considered such an important document.?
A. It convinced many people living in the colonies that a complete break from Britain was necessary.
B. It outlined strategies for wining the war for independence from Great Britain.
C. It laid out arguments against the Proclamation Line of 1763 thus permitting the large westward migration.
D. It was a last ditch attempt to convince King George III that the colonies desire for peace was sincere.

14. How does Thomas Paine describe all monarchies in ’Common Sense’?
A. All monarchs rule by the will of GOD.
B. All monarchs are too nimble minded (stupid) to rule fairly and effectively.
C. Monarchs by nature are dishonest and corrupt.
D. Monarchs should impose their rule on their people for without their rule, chaos would exist.

15. A Time of Decision
On June 7, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia called for an end to all political ties between the colonies and Britain.

16. A Time of Decision
On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress passed Lee’s resolution.
With the passage of the resolution, the colonies now considered themselves independent.

17. The Declaration of Independence
Congress set up a “Committee of Five” men to write a Declaration of Independence; including Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin,
John Adams, Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman.

18. The Declaration of Independence
The job of writing the firstl draft of the Declaration of Independence fell to Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson began with a statement of several ‘self-evident’ truths, meaning that they were obvious to everyone.

19. The Declaration of Independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,
that among these
are Life, Liberty and
the pursuit
of Happiness.”

20. The Declaration of Independence
Jefferson also wrote:
governments exist to protect the rights of their people, and that they get their power to rule from the consent of the people.
a government that doesn’t protect the rights of its citizens loses its right to govern. If not, then the people have a right to change the government.

21. The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, goes on to list the grievances against England and King George III.
In the final section, Jefferson makes it clear: “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown.”

22. The Declaration of Independence
On July 4, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.
…and never forget the courage taken by each delegate who would sign. They were now officially guilty
of treason and would
hang in the gallows
if taken before a
royal court.
VIDEO
VIDEO

23. Be prepared to share your conclusions
A and B Discuss
Many historians believe that we should be celebrating Independence Day on July 2nd rather than July 4th. Why do you think they feel this way? Do you agree or disagree?
Be prepared to share your conclusions
with the class.

24. Get your whiteboards and markers ready!

25. What are Three “unalienable rights” outlined in the Declaration of Independence?
A. freedom of speech and religion.
B. liberty
C. pursuit of happiness
D. right to privacy
E. right to won property.
F. life
Choose 3

26. According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the purpose of government?
A. To protect people's rights or natural condition of freedom.
B. To help people find what they want to do in life.
C. To protect people from harm and make them feel secure,
D. To create opportunities for people and improve their lives.
Choose the best one.

27. . What did Jefferson think should happen to a government that does not protect people’s rights?
A. Such a government should be changed by the people.
B. New elections must be held.
C. The government should be obeyed anyway, so that order is maintained.
D. The government should be criticized in pamphlets and newspapers.
Choose the best one.

28. You can see in the Declaration of Independence that Thomas Jefferson was most influenced by the writing of…
A. Paul Revere
B. John Locke
C. Thomas Paine
D. Benjamin Franklin.
Choose the best one.

29. Be prepared to share your conclusions
A and B Discuss
The Declaration of Independence also served to unite the colonists in their fight against Great Britain. How do you think this document helped accomplish that?
Be prepared to share your conclusions
with the class.