Chapter 5 Section 4
Reread the Primary Source quote from the Declaration of Independence above. Rewrite this quote in your own words, and explain its significance.
All people all equal, and we all have certain undeniable rights, all in the pursuit of life, liberty, and simple happiness. This quote means that all men and women should be given a chance for their own rights as a human, which all are all only pursued for the individual's life, liberty, independence, and happiness in America, which is what they will forever pursue in their lifetimes.
Using a diagram like the one below, describe each leader's role in the movement toward independence.
Benjamin Franklin-Led the movement to repeal the Stamp Act John Hancock-Funded patriotic groups and was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson-Drafted the Declaration of Independence George Washington-Commander of Continental Army
Who was Thomas Paine?
Creator and publisher of the pamphlet Common Sense
When was the Declaration of Independence finally approved?
July 4, 1776
According to John Locke, what is the purpose of government?
To protect natural rights such as life, liberty, and property
Why did the American colonies choose to declare independence?
Varied. Should include King George III ignored the colonists' Olive Branch Petition in which they tried to avoid war; they learned that the British were planning to invade New York; Thomas Paine published an influential pamphlet, Common Sense, which called for complete independence
discussion by opposing points of view
debate
a formal request
petition
the introduction to a formal document
preamble
rank or position
status
Add the events from Section 4 to your timeline of Sections 1, 2, and 3.
•1775 2nd Continental Congress •1776 The Declaration of Independence
2. What were the 2nd Continental Congress, the Continental Army, and the Olive Branch Petition, Common Sense, and the Declaration of Independence?
•2nd Continental Congress-delegates for the colonies that met to discuss breaking away from Britain •Continental Army-an army created by the 2nd Continental Congress to fight against Britain in a more organized way than the colonial militias could •Olive Branch-the petition sent to King George III assuring him of the colonists' desire for peace if he protected their rights •Common Sense- a pamphlet published by Thomas Paine's calling for complete independence from England •Declaration of Independence-a document that announced the birth of a new nation
What key actions did the Second Continental Congress take shortly after they met?
•Began to govern the colonies; authorized printing of money •Set up post office with Franklin in charge •Established committees to communicate with Native Americans and other countries •Created the Continental Army with George Washington as the commander
Describe the 4 parts of the Declaration of Independence.
•Preamble- introduction •Declaration of Natural Rights- Rights of the Colonists •List of Grievances- Complaints against Britain •Resolution of Independence- Announcing America's new status (independent nation)
What grievances against King George III were included in the Declaration of Independence?
•cutting of their trade with all parts of the world •imposing taxes on them without their consent •ignoring their petitions
