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The American Revolution. Ch. 6.2 Declaring Independence. “Common Sense” 1776. Pamphlet by Thomas Paine = argued for independence from Britain. “Monarchy is wrong, it is our Natural Right to create our own govt. It convinced many to support independence. Independence Proposed in Congress.
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The American Revolution Ch. 6.2 Declaring Independence
“Common Sense” 1776 • Pamphlet by Thomas Paine = argued for independence from Britain. • “Monarchy is wrong, it is our Natural Right to create our own govt. • It convinced many to support independence
Independence Proposed in Congress • June 1776 – July 1776 • Proposed by Richard Henry Lee (VA) • Committee to draft a declaration • Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin
Purpose of the Declaration • Justify the revolution • Leave a legacy of ideals for future generations to follow • Formally declare independence from Great Britain
Ideas in the Declaration • Locke’s Natural Rights: All men are created Equal with Rights • Govt. is created by people to protect rights. = Social Contract • If it fails, its the people’s right to abolish it & form a new Govt.
Independence Day July 2nd, 1776: Congress accepts resolution July 4th: Declaration approved!
Choosing Sides • 1/3rd of Colonists were Patriots: those who supported the Revolution. • 1/3rd were Loyalists (Tories): Those who stayed loyal to King & Parliament. • 1/3rd were Americans just caught in the middle.
Reactions to the Declaration • Some felt it excluded women & blacks • Abigail Adams • Mum Bett • Jefferson criticized the Slave trade in original, but it was removed.