1. Declaring Independence
Chapter 3 section 2
By Mrs. Andreatta

2. Independence Colonies declared independence from England (Britain)
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” pamphlet helped colonists support independence.
Colonists had different opinions about the Declaration of Independence (D of I)

3. Thomas Paine – Common Sense!
Urged separation from England (Britain)
Citizens (not kings) should make laws.
Argued economic freedom & military defense.
King is a tyrant.
Over 500,000 copies sold (best seller)!
Colonial Leaders agreed with Paine.

4. Thomas Paine – The guy with “Common Sense”

5. Declaration of Independence
Colonial leaders at 2nd Continental Congress agreed with Paine’s ideas.
June 1776 – 2nd Continental Congress gathered to write D of I.
Thomas Jefferson was the main author.
D of I = a formal break from G.B. – Approved July 4, 1776! (happy 4th of July)

6. Thomas Jefferson D of I Main Author

7. Purpose of D of I
People have basic (natural) rights: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness
King George has violated Colonist’s rights by passing unfair laws & interfering with colonial governments. Jefferson lists the GRIEVANCES AGAINST THE KING.
America has the right to be free – breaking the SOCIAL CONTRACT - Social contract = rulers protect people / people agree to the governed. King George broke the “social contract” by not protecting the colonists rights. Colonies are going to be an independent nation called the United States of America.

8. Declaration of Independence

9. King George III – MAD!

10. Colonists Ideas / Opinions
Patriots = Choose to fight – 40% - 45%
Loyalist = Loyal to England = 20% – 30%
Neutral = No Opinion = 25%

11. Reactions to the D of I All Men are created Equal!
Well Not really!
D of I excluded the following:
Some colonists
Women (no rights)
African Slaves (no rights)