1. Declaring Independence
Chapter 8 Lesson 5
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2. Moving Toward Independence
Thomas Paine – wrote Common Sense
Ideas were expressed of colonists should rule themselves.

3. Congress Debates Independence
Independence – the freedom to govern themselves
John Adams argues for independence at the 2nd Continental Congress
June 7, 1776 Richard Henry Lee declares independence from Britain
Resolution – a formal group statement of independence

4. A Declaration is Written
Declaration – an official statement
Thomas Jefferson – VA – Lawyer – Wrote the Declaration of Independence

5. Declaration of Independence
Preamble – the first part, the introduction
Explained why the colonists had the right to break away

6. Rights and Grievances
All people have rights that government can’t take away
All people had the right to:
Live
Be free
Seek their own happiness
The longest part of the declaration is lists the grievances (complaints) against the king.

7. Congress Approves the Declaration
July 4, 1776 Congress voted to accept the Declaration of Independence
Public reading at Independence Hall
John Adams writes that we should celebrate independence for future generations

8. A Dangerous Decision John Hancock – president of the Congress
Signs it large so King can read it without his glasses
“John Hancock” = Signature
If they lost the war, the signers would be tried for treason
Punishment = death

9. Forming a New Government
Articles of Confederation – the 1st form of government
Committee was head by John Dickinson

10. Articles of Confederation
Approved 1777
Each 1 vote – 1 representative in a national Confederation Congress
Made laws for the new nation until 1789

11. Weaknesses of the Articles
Power is left with the states
To pass National law – 9 of 13 states agree
If passed, Congress had no power to enforce
Congress could: make treaties, declare war, & borrow $$
Could Not: collect taxes or control trade
Defense was by states