1. Ch. 4.2 Declaring Independence
The Big Idea
The colonies formally declared their independence from Great Britain.
Main Ideas
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense led many colonists to support independence.
Colonists had to choose sides when independence was declared.
The Declaration of Independence did not address the rights of all colonists.

2. 47 page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine
Main Idea 1: Thomas Paine’s Common Sense led many colonists to support independence.
Paine’s Common Sense:
47 page pamphlet written by Thomas Paine
Published in January 1776—distributed in Philadelphia
Urged separation from Great Britain

3. Paine’s Common Sense:
Argued that citizens, not monarchs, should make laws (Radical idea – NOT the normal practice of the day!)
Written as a common person speaking to common people (Unusual – most literature was written “over the head” of the average person.)
Argued for economic freedom and the right to military self-defense
Against tyranny--abuse of government power
Sold 500,000 copies—Changed colonial view of the king

4. Independence Declared
Main Idea 2: Colonists had to choose sides when independence was declared.
Independence Declared
June Second Continental Congress created a committee with the goal of writing a document declaring independence.
Created a seal with the motto: “E pluribus unum” = “Out of the many, one”
Symbolizes the individual states uniting

6. A New Philosophy of Government
Declaration of Independence formally announced break with Great Britain.
Thomas Jefferson was main author.
Three Main Ideas:
All people have unalienable rights (life liberty, pursuit of happiness….)
King George III has violated colonists rights
Taxation without consent
Unfair laws and interference
Military presence is a burden
Colonies had a right to break away—based on “Social Contract” ideals (Gov. protects the rights of citizens, and citizens agree to be governed.)
Approved by Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 – Broke all ties with Britain.

7. Choosing Sides
Loyalists
Loyalists, colonists who remained loyal to Britain – a.k.a. Tories
About 20 to 30 percent of Americans were Loyalists.
Patriots
Patriots chose to fight for independence.
Considered traitors
About 40 to 45 percent of Americans were Patriots.
Neutral
About 25 percent of Americans remained neutral.
Families torn apart—example: Ben Franklin (P) & son William Franklin (L)
Native Americans-neutral at first, but soon recruited by both sides

8. Main Idea 3: The Declaration of Independence did not address the rights of all colonists.
Unfinished Business
Declaration excluded many colonists. (No Attempt to address rights of minorities)
Women:
Many were Patriots—Abigail Adams attempted to influence her husband on behalf of women’s rights
African Americans:
Ironic that Declaration compared living under Britain to living as a slave.
Native Americans:
Despite Proclamation of Pattern of disregard for rights of Native Americans continues—Land was too valuable!

9. The Declaration of Independence
Rough Draft Final Draft