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Independence Declared

Independence Declared . Chapter 4 Section . Essential Questions. How did the Declaration of Independence explain America’s break with Great Britain? How did Americans react to the Declaration of Independence? What major problems did the Continental Army face?

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Independence Declared

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  1. Independence Declared Chapter 4 Section

  2. Essential Questions • How did the Declaration of Independence explain America’s break with Great Britain? • How did Americans react to the Declaration of Independence? • What major problems did the Continental Army face? • What roles did different groups of people play in the war?

  3. Reasons for Independence • Why did colonists favor independence? • The British had violated their rights as British subjects. • Their fellow colonists had died fighting for these rights.

  4. Two Supporters of Independence • Patrick Henry- • “…I know not what other course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death!” • Thomas Paine- • Author of the pamphlet Common Sense • “Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, and intolerable one.” • He sold 120,000 copies in three months!

  5. “The Committee of Five” was tasked with drafting the Declaration Roger Sherman Benjamin Franklin Thomas Jefferson John Adams Robert Livingston • Virginia lawyer, planter, and slaveholder Thomas Jefferson wrote much of the document. • He drew upon the Virginia Bill of Rights for inspiration.

  6. The Declaration of Independence Introduction: • All men are created equal, • Certain unalienable rights: life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness Body: Complaints against the King: • Long train of abuses • King has seriously abused his power • “He has…” Conclusion: • People’s right to throw off an unjust government • “Free and independent States” • Absolved from all allegiance from the Crown

  7. Fighting the War… • A weak central government had to rely on the states for help, but they couldn’t force them to help. • Colonial merchants would charge high prices for poorly made goods. • Many farmers sold to the highest bidder be they American or British. • Washington had to endure shortages of food and supplies, a lack of soldiers, and hygiene issues.

  8. Those Who Served…Continental Soldiers • Believed in independence, (the “glorious cause), most were under 23, owned little property, and were farmers. Their training was uneven and poor, and they were poorly equipped. • Some were drafted, others served as paid replacements for draftees, still others signed up in exchange for cash bonuses and promises of land.

  9. Those Who Served…Redcoats • Most were from poor, rural areas. They were highly trained, well-equipped, and very disciplined warriors.

  10. Others Who Served… • Although initially prohibited from serving at the onset of the war, 5,000 African Americans served in the Continental Army. • Native Americans also served both the British and American forces. • Women also served as spies, messengers, cooks, laundresses, and nurses. Back home, they distributed medical supplies, made uniforms, and manufactured bullets!

  11. Deborah Sampson Gannett • Disguised herself as a man, the “faithful and gallant soldier” Robert Shurtleff. • Her husband was awarded a pension in 1827 as the “widow” of a Revolutionary War veteran!

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