The Declaration of Independence

1. The Declaration of Independence

2. Who are the players?? • Loyalists: colonists who felt loyalty to Great Britain • Patriots: believed colonists had the right to govern themselves • Sons of Liberty: Patriots that were more aggressive. Some referred to them as “mobs” • British Government: colonies were controlled by overseas government (British Empire)

3. Precursory Events • The British government had a large debt to pay off • The solution??? • More taxes!!!!

4. The British Government "Acting" Up • American colonists were very lightly taxed compared to others in the British Empire • Parliament create various “Acts”

5. Stamp Act of 1765 • Colonists had to buy a stamp for every piece of paper they bought (newspapers, licenses, playing cards) • Colonists spoke out because they felt this violated their rights- “No taxation without representation!” ?????

6. Quartering Act of 1765 • Colonists must provide housing for British soldiers (and food!) • Colonists felt “taxed” because of the money spent

7. The Townshend Acts • Brought on by British leader Charles Townshend • Placed taxes on many goods imported from Britain • tea, glass, paper, paint

8. The Colonists Rebel • What did the colonists do?? • Boycotted British goods! • Peaceful form of protest • Even the Loyalists joined in

9. Also . . . • Townshend Acts were costing the British government money • All taxes except the tax on tea were repealed (removed)

10. Boston Massacre (March 5, 1770) • How many were killed? • Five Bostonians • What Happened? • Colonists insulting troops/throwing rocks at them • British soldier panicked and opened fire • Sam Adams called the riot a “horrid massacre” to encourage anti-British feelings

11. Boston Tea Party (December 16, 1773) • What was it? • Protests to the Tea Act (more taxes!) • East India Company-had monopoly over tea trade • What would British government control next? (sugar, cloth, etc) • Protesters refusing to let tea ships dock • Sons of Liberty (about 50 men) • Dressed up as Mohawk Indians • Dumped tea chests from three tea ships overboard

12. The Intolerable Acts (more Acts!) • New laws passed by Parliament after the Boston Tea Party • So harsh they were “intolerable” • Closed Boston Harbor until damages form Tea Party paid • Government of Massachusetts under British Control • More troops stationed in Boston

13. Time for Jeopardy Break (Remember to answer in question form) Warm up: • This group of colonists were called this because of their loyalty to the British government. Who were the Loyalists?

14. Jeopardy • To discourage the Townshend Acts from success, the colonists (including the Loyalists) chose to do this. What is boycott?

15. Jeopardy • The colonists opposed the Stamp Act because they felt their liberties were being violated by this action. What is taxation without representation?

16. Jeopardy • The colonists feared that the British government would achieve this by controlling more and more industries, such as tea. What is a monopoly?

17. What to do?? Great Britain was pushing the colonies to work together: • First Continental Congress (1774) • First meeting of delegates from 12 colonies (all except GA) • Agreed to form a Non-Importation Association to cease trade with Great Britain

18. Cont'd • Second Continental Congress (1775) • Met in Philadelphia • No longer pleading for better treatment from British government • Armed colonists demanding rights • George Washington was chosen as commander in chief of “Continental Army”

19. Battle of Bunker Hill • Colonel William Prescott sent troops to wrong hill • They actually fortified Breed’s Hill. • The redcoats (British Army) charged twice up the hill but were held off • The third time they charged the colonists were out of gun powder and were forced from their position • Considered a “moral” victory (troops could bravely face adversaries)

20. Declaration of Indepedence • In March 1776, Washington forced British out of Boston • May of 1776, all colonies advised to form government • July 2, 1776 Congress adopted that “that these United Colonies are . . .free”

21. Declaration of Independence • July 4, 1776 Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration approved by Second Continental Congress and signed by Congress president, John Hancock • Copies were then sent to all the states

22. Document as Inspiration • The French were inspired by Jefferson’s words during their Revolution • Colonies in South America also found inspiration when they began separating from Spain • In 20th century when colonists in Africa and Asia fought for independence they recalled the words of the American Declaration

23. Final Jeopardy • He was the President of the Congress at the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Who was John Hancock?

24. Final Jeopardy • Though recorded in history under the incorrect name, this battle is significant because it showed a “moral victory” for the colonists. What is the Battle of Bunker Hill? Bonus: What is the correct name of the hill? Breed’s Hill

25. The End Now it’s your turn to create a Declaration of Independence!