1. The American Revolution, 1774-1783: Declaring Independence
United States History 8
Unit 1, Chapter 4, Section 2

2. Paine’s Common Sense
Thomas Paine argued that citizens, not Kings or Queens, should make laws.

3. Independence is Declared
In June 1776 the Second Continental Congress formed a committee to declare the colonies’ independence
Thomas Jefferson was main author
Argued that all people have unalienable rights
Stated that King George had violated their rights
Stated that the colonies had a right to break from Britain
Approved on July 4, 1776

4. Native Americans At first encouraged to remain neutral
Both Patriots and British recruited to fight
Most sided with British
In northern New York, 4 of 6 Iroquois nations fought with British
The Oneida and Tuscarora helped Patriots, delivering food to Valley Forge

5. Unfinished Business
The Declaration failed to recognize: women, enslaved Africans, or Native Americans whose rights would be subject to the rule of the majority