A Nation Declares Independence

​Objectives:

1. ​Find out how Thomas Paine stirred support for independence.

2. Understand the meaning and structure of the Declaration of Independence.

3. Learn how Congress finally agreed to separate from England.

A Call for Independence

1. 1776: Patriots and Loyalists in the minority

   • Most colonists still hoped for peaceful end to conflict with Great Britain

2. Common Sense:

   • Published by Thomas Paine

   • Called King George a "royal brute"

Multiple Choice

In 1776, the majority of the delegates in the Continental Congress were in favor of independence from Great Britain.

• True

• False

• Thomas Paine's powerful words inspired people in all the colonies

• 500,000 copies sold

• George Washington, "Common Sense is working a powerful change in the minds of men"

Multiple Choice

Who published the 50-page pamphlet entitled "Common Sense" garnering support for independence?

• Benjamin Franklin
• Thomas Paine
• John Adams
• George Washington

Multiple Choice

What was the Virginia Resolution introduced by Richard Henry Lee?

• The Virginia Resolution supported British rule.
• The Virginia Resolution proposed a new tax system.
• The Virginia Resolution called for a stronger central government.
• The Virginia Resolution called for independence from Britain.

• Preamble

  • Introduction

  • Explains reasons for colonies breakaway from GB

• Natural Rights

  • "We hold these truths to be self-evident" (obvious to all)

  • "All men are created equal"

    • But actually tho?

  • Unalienable rights

    • The right to abolish government if natural rights are violated

• List of Grievances: Proof that GB violated rights'

​The Declaration of Independence

Multiple Choice

What is a preamble?

• An introductory statement or section that provides context or background information.
• A conclusion drawn from a set of data.
• A legal document outlining rights and responsibilities.
• A summary of a book or article.

Multiple Choice

What did the Declaration of Independence explain?

• The Declaration of Independence was a treaty with France.
• The Declaration of Independence outlined the structure of the new government.
• The Declaration of Independence detailed the rights of British citizens.
• The Declaration of Independence explained the reasons for American independence from Britain.

Multiple Choice

What does the first section of the Declaration of Independence discuss following the preamble?

• The philosophical foundations of government and natural rights.
• The historical context of the American Revolution.
• The process of drafting the Constitution.
• The grievances against King George III.

Multiple Choice

What are the truths in the Declaration of Independence?

• Life and Liberty are privileges granted by the government.
• All men are created equal and have unalienable Rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.
• All men are born with a predetermined fate.
• Only certain individuals have the right to pursue happiness.

Multiple Choice

Thomas Jefferson states that everyone is "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights". This statement is based off the ideas of ______

• Thomas Paine
• George Washington
• Benjamin Franklin
• John Locke

Multiple Choice

Locke and Jefferson conclude ___________ if a government violates the natural rights of the people

• People have the right to alter or abolish the government.
• Natural rights are not affected by government actions.
• Citizens must accept the government's decisions.
• The government should be left unchanged.

Multiple Choice

What were the List of Grievances written by Jefferson?

• A list of grievances against the French government including unfair trade practices.
• A list of complaints about local governance and community services.
• A list of demands for increased military funding and expansion.
• A list of grievances against King George III including taxation without representation, denial of trial by jury, and maintenance of standing armies in peacetime.

• July 4th, 1776 Congress approves the Declaration of Independence

• No longer fighting for fairer treatment

• Fighting for a new nation

• "All men are created equal"

  • Not in 1776

• Definitions of equality and natural rights have changed over time

​Impact of the Declaration

Multiple Choice

In 1776, who did the words "all men are created equal" refer to?

• White male landowners
• All citizens of the United States
• Women and children
• Enslaved individuals