The document discusses key events leading up to the American Declaration of Independence from Britain in 1776. It describes how the Continental Congress met and formed the Continental Army led by George Washington. Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" helped shift attitudes by arguing citizens, not kings, should make laws. The Second Continental Congress formed a committee to draft a declaration announcing separation from Britain. Thomas Jefferson was the main author, arguing people have rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness that King George III violated through unfair laws. The Declaration was signed on July 4th, 1776 at Independence Hall.

1. Declaration of Independence

2. American Revolution review 1. We know the 1 st Continental Congress gathered delegates from throughout the colonies. 2. We know minutemen - members of the civilian militia fought with British soldiers 3. The first battle was in Lexington 4. The British had the nickname of “ red coats ” or “lobster backs” from their red uniforms

3. American Revolution review 5. We know there was a 2 nd Continental Congress who did the following: a. decided to compromise about break from Britain b. Created the Continental Army c. Named George Washington their leader 6. We know the battle at Bunker Hill (Breed’s Hill) earned the Continental Army respect from the British army, even though we lost .

4. Attitudes were Changing A new document began to circulate through the colonies called “ Common Sense ” It was written anonymously, so no one could judge it by its author, who was Thomas Paine Common Sense argued that citizens , not kings and queens should make laws . It was written in common language to appeal to common people. (and it did!) It changed the way people thought in the colony of their king

5. Attitudes were Changing The Great Awakening also played a major role in the Revolution The Great Awakening was a widespread religious movement throughout the colonies Like Enlightenment, it stressed the importance of individualism This led people towards political independence

6. Creating a Declaration A committee was formed to create a declaration to formally announce the colonies break from Britain . Note: this is purpose of the Declaration of Independence, to formally separate America from Britain!

7. Declaration had 3 Main Ideas 1. Jefferson argued that all men posses unalienable rights . -including ” Life , Liberty , and the Pursuit of Happiness .” -borrow from Locke “life, liberty, and property” 2. That King George III had violated the colonists rights by passing unfair laws and interfering with colonial government 3. That colonists had the right to break free from Britain. He was influenced by the Enlightenment idea that governments and rulers must protect the rights of citizens and in exchange the people agree to be governed.

10. Thomas Jefferson Main Author of the Declaration Signed the Declaration Had help creating the declaration with other Patriots such as Ben Franklin

11. Some Signatures Thomas Jefferson

12. Independence Hall The meeting of the Second Continental Congress This is where the declaration was signed on JULY 4 th , 17 76

13. The Signing

15. Declaration didn’t include Everyone Although many women were Patriots, the Declaration did not address their rights Nor did the Declaration recognize the rights of enslaved Africans

16. Two sides of the Argument The argument: Should we break free from Britain? Patriots: people choosing to fight for Independence Loyalists: people who remained loyal to Great Britain 40-45% were Patriots 20-30% were Loyalists the rest were neutral