Topic: Declaring Independence Ch. 4.2
MAIN IDEAS
Paine’s Common
Sense
Independence is
Declared
A New Philosophy of
Government
NOTES:

Citizens should make laws, not king and queens
o Bold idea for the time
o Changed the way people viewed their king
o Strong case for a military and economic freedom

Second Continental Congress formed a committee to write a
document declaring independence
o Created a seal for the new county
 “E pluribus unum” “Out of many, one”

Declaration of Independence
o Three main ideas – drafted by Thomas Jefferson
 People possess unalienable rights
 Life, liberty and pursuit of happiness
 King George violates colonists’ rights
 Taxation without consent
 Interfering in colonial gov’t
 Stationing British army was a burden
 Colonies had a right to break from Britain
 Governments and rulers must protect
rights of citizens
 King broke that social contract
o July 4, 1776 – approved the Declaration of
Independence
 Broke all ties with Britain.
 USA is born




40-45% of colonists were Patriots or traitors
20-30% were Loyalists (Tories)
The rest were neutral
Patriots persecuted Loyalists
o Fled to Canada – left homes/property
o Broke families apart
Indians were neutral, but recruited to become fighters
o Most sided with British
Choosing Sides

Unfinished Business

SUMMARY
Declaration of Independence does not include women,
enslaved Africans, or Native Americans
Topic: Declaring Independence Ch. 4.2
SUMMARY