The Declaration of Independence

1. The Declaration of Independence

2. Prelude to Separation • Jamestown and Plymouth • Founded as…but eventually taken by the…because… • This was important because it overturned the idea of limited government • Navigation Acts of 1651 • These acts limited the colonists’…abilities and forced them to trade exclusively with… • This restricted business opportunities and stunted economic growth of the colonies • Created a dependency upon England

3. Prelude to Separation • French and Indian War • This war nearly…Britain’s national… • Britain expected the…to pay the bill • The colonists refused and stated they would only pay…levied by their own legislatures • Britain’s government responded by creating and raising…to increase its… • Parliament was the body that made the new taxes • The king was the scapegoat

4. Prelude to Separation • Prohibitory Act 1776 • Blockaded American ports • Declared American ships as enemy vessels • King hires Hessian mercenaries • Clear sign of aggression by the crown against the colonists

5. Prelude to Separation • Common Sense by Thomas Paine • 1775-6 • Pamphlet that articulated: • Monarchal and aristocratic tyranny led to oppression of the common man • England violated its constitutional monarchy • Independence in necessary and inevitable • Wildly popular • Heavily influenced anti-British movement

6. Resolving Independence • Second Continental Congress • Governing body of the colonies from 1775-81 • Composed of deleagates from each state to satisfy demands of the colonies • Lee Resolution • Richard Henry Lee proposed freedom from the crown • Met with resistance because some delegates were told not to support any actions of independence • Congress convenes • Committee of Five assigned to draft a formal statement of independence

7. Resolving Independence • Members of the committee: • John Adams • Roger Sherman • Benjamin Franklin • Robert R. Livingston • Thomas Jefferson • Composed different drafts of statement • Written primarily by Jefferson with Franklin and Adams as advisors

8. Resolving Independence • Jefferson presented a draft on July 1st • Revisions and debate on July 2nd and 3rd • Congress of the whole formally adopts the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776

9. Evaluating the Document • 5 parts: • Preamble • Statement of Beliefs • List of Complaints • Statement of Prior Attempt to Redress Government • Declaration of Independence

10. Evaluating the Document • Preamble • Read from “When in the course…” to “impel them to separation”. • What is this section saying? • What reason(s) did the founding fathers give for their separation?

11. Evaluating the Document • Statement of Belief • Read from “We hold these truths…” to “…tyranny over these states” • What are the main points of this section? • What are all men? • What beliefs did the founding fathers hold?

12. Evaluating the Document • List of Complaints • Read from “To prove this…” to “…is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” • What are some of the main complaints? • Is there a theme to the complaints? • Are any rooted in specific events?

13. Evaluating the Document • Statement of Prior Attempts to Redress Grievances • Read from “Nor have we been wanting…” to “…Enemies in War, in Peace Friends”. • How had the founding fathers already tried to address the problems? • Why were they rejected?

14. Evaluating the Document • Declaration of Independence • Read the rest of the document • What rights did the colonies declare? • What did they sacrifice? • What crime was this committing? • What was the punishment for such a crime?

15. Recap • The need for separation began with abuses by greedy monarchs • There was a history of exploitation of the colonists and rejection of redress of grievances • The hiring of Hessian soldiers and publication of Common Sense created a need for independnece • The Declaration of Independence permanently separated us from Great Britain

16. Journal Question • Was America justified in separating itself from Great Britain?