Essential Question

Essential Question • How was the American revolutionary spirit embodied in the documents known as Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence?

Chapter 6 Section 4 Pt III Common Sense& The Declaration of Independence

Common Sense Changes Minds • As the British evacuated Boston, a pamphlet called Common Sensewas causing many Americans to consider fighting for independence • In essence, the pamphlet laid out the reasons why it should be “common sense” for Americans to want independence from Britain • 100,000 copies were sold in only 3 months • The author, Thomas Paine, was a recent immigrant from England

A Radical View • Paine was considered a radical b/c he believed: • All men, not just landowners, should have the right to vote • The “Divine Right of Kings” was BOGUS! • All Monarchies were inherently corrupt - He often referred to KG III as “the Royal Brute” • Economic independence was required to be “truly free” • Though these ideas were too radical for some, Paine’s pamphlet was an instant success amongst Patriots

A Time for Independence • In May,1776 the 2nd Cont. Congress adopted a resolution authorizing each of the 13 colonies to set up their own govt. • On June 7, 1776 Richard Henry Lee of VA introduced another key resolution declaring the colonies were: 1. “Free & Independent States” 2 . Dissolved of any political connection to Britain • The issue was debated heavily, but the delegates would not vote on it until a formal “declaration” was drafted

The Drafting Committee • In turn, a committee was appointed to draft a “Declaration of Independence” • The committee included: • Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, & Thomas Jefferson • TJ was selected to write the document for two reasons: • 1. He was known as a great writer • 2. He was from VA, the oldest and largest colony • The delegates knew that no such movement would survive w/o VA

Summary/Test Question • Who was on the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence? a. Sam Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, Thomas Paine, & William Prescott b. Thomas Jefferson, Ben Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, & Robert Livingston c. Richard Henry Lee, Ethan Allen, George Washington, John Hancock, & Thomas Jefferson d. Paul Revere, Johnny Tremain, William Dawes, Thomas Jefferson, & John Parker

Adoption • After two weeks, TJ’s draft was refined and ready for a vote • On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to pass the Declaration • At this point, the colonies now considered themselves completely independent of Britain • Two days later, July 4, the document was signed

3 Big Ideas • The 3 main ideas discussed in the Declaration were: • Natural Rights • Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness • British Wrongs • Taxation w/o Representation, etc. • Freedom & Independence • These ideas closely reflect much of the philosophy of John Locke

Summary/Test Question • Which of the following is NOT one of the three main ideas of the Declaration of Independence? • Natural Rights • British Wrongs • Salutary Neglect • Freedom & Independence

Essential Question