Transcript Section 1 PowerPoint Notes
Chapter 6 Section 1
Set Questions:
Thinking back from last class: What were some motivations that patriots had to rebel?
What were some motivations that loyalists had to remain loyal?
Were all of the colonists Loyalists or Patriots?
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1 Objectives
• Understand why many colonists favored independence • Find out how Thomas Paine stirred support for independence.
• Understand the meaning and structure of the Declaration of Independence.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1 Terms and People
• Thomas Paine – of Common Sense American colonist and author • Richard Henry Lee – delegate who introduced a resolution calling for independence to the Second Continental Congress • resolution – formal statement of opinion • preamble – introduction • grievance – formal complaint A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1 Why did many colonists favor declaring independence?
By 1776, tension filled the colonies. The king had declared the colonists to be in open rebellion. Battles had been fought, and soldiers had died. Still, the path ahead was not clear. Though blood had been shed, many colonists still hoped for peace. A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
As 1776 began, most colonists were neither Patriots nor Loyalists. They were in the middle, torn about what to do.
Patriots Undecided Loyalists A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
That soon began to change. In January 1776, a colonist named
Thomas Paine
wide attention. wrote a pamphlet that received A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
In Common Sense, Paine made powerful arguments in favor of independence.
George III is a “ royal brute.
” Kings should not rule over people.
Americans should govern themselves.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1 Common Sense became a bestseller, and public opinion began to shift.
Number of colonists favoring independence More colonists began to favor independence. So, too, did their representatives in the Second Continental Congress.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
So why was the pamphlet series Common Sense by Thomas Paine so important to the American Revolution?
Record the answer in your notes.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1 In May, Virginia delegate Richard Henry Lee introduced a resolution colonies should be free and independent states.
declaring that the
Congress formed a committee to write a statement explaining the reasons for independence.
The statement would be presented to Congress, then the question of independence would be put to a vote.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson were appointed to the committee.
Jefferson wrote most of the document, which would become the Declaration of Independence.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
The Declaration of Independence has four parts, beginning with a preamble.
Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence The preamble states the reason for writing the document Britain.
— explain why the colonists were to breaking ties with A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
To begin the explanation, Jefferson declared that everyone has unalienable rights.
Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights Governments are created to protect those rights. List of Grievances Resolution of Independence A Nation Declares Independence
If a government violates those rights, the people must change their government.
Chapter 6 Section 1
The British government, Jefferson argued,
had
violated the colonists ’ rights.
Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence A Nation Declares Independence To prove this, he presented a long list of grievances, were: including that the colonists • denied trial by jury • taxed without their consent
Chapter 6 Section 1 Therefore, Jefferson concluded, the colonies are free and independent states.
Preamble Declaration of Natural Rights List of Grievances Resolution of Independence All ties between the colonies and the British government are now dissolved.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1 The Declaration of Independence was approved by Congress on July 4, 1776.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
Americans still celebrate July 4 th as Independence Day. Today, the inspiration world.
Declaration of Independence remains a source of for Americans and for people around the A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
For Americans in 1776, however, declaring independence was a serious and frightening step. The colonists were challenging one of the most powerful nations in the world — and risking their lives.
The way ahead was dangerous, but there was no turning back. Americans were now fighting to create their own nation.
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
Closing Questions:
How did Thomas Paine stir up support for the Revolution?
How many parts are there in the Declaration of Independence?
What did the Declaration of Independence actually do in regards to our relationship with Great Britain? A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1
Closing Activity:
The following is a quote by John Adams. What did Adams mean by what he said? Describe the meaning of the following quote in one sentence.
“Without the pen of Paine, the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain.” ~ John Adams
A Nation Declares Independence
Chapter 6 Section 1 Section Review
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