Jefferson’s “Explanation of Independence”

1. Jefferson’s “Explanation of Independence” • June 7, 1776: Richard Henry Lee • “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states” • Continental Congress appointed a committee to draft a formal document

2. Thomas Jefferson VA lawyer 33 years old Great writer

3. “I see my job as trying to bring together and harmonize a variety of different opinions, We are putting before all of mankind words that are both simple and firm, a justification for the stand that we’re being forced to take.”

4. Declaration of Independence • When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

5. Inspirational • For many in the colonies • Also, around the world • French Revolution

6. Vocabulary for the Revolution • Pro-independence • Patriots • Whigs • Tended to be younger • Anti-independence • Loyalists • Tories • Tended to be older • About 16% of American people

7. Became a war for the neutral • Had to fight to get the support of “on the fence” colonists like the Byrds of VA • Propaganda/rhetoric played a HUGE role for the Patriots

8. The Loyalist Exodus • After Declaration, Patriots vs. Loyalists • Loyalist persecution • Regarded as traitors • Imprisoned • Not largely murdered like in French Rev.

9. The Loyalist Exodus • About 80,000 fled/driven out • Estates confiscated/sold • About 50,000 fought for the British army