Unit 6: Declaration of Independence

George Washington

A Virginia man, he would be picked to lead the Continental Army.

"Common Sense"

A short, powerful book by Thomas Paine that argued plainly and simply that the American colonies should break away from Great Britain. It was printed in 1776 and helped to persuade many colonists to favor independence.

militia

A small army made up of ordinary citizens.

resolution

A statement for congress to vote on.

Thomas Jefferson

A statement for congress to vote on. At the age of 33, this man from Virginia penned the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia.

Declaration of Independence

This document announced that the American colonies were breaking away from Great Britain. It was approved by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. This date is considered the "birthday" of the United States.

Benjamin Franklin

This man assisted Jefferson in the creation of the Declaration of Independence. In response to the need to stay together as a group of colonies, he said, "Yes, we must indeed all hang together or, most assuredly we shall hang separately."

John Adams

This man from MA was on the committee to help write the Declaration of Independence. He is credited in helping Jefferson make some changes before presenting it to Congress.

Continental Army

The army of volunteers led by General George Washington that fought the British in the Revolutionary War. The army was formed by the Second Continental Congress.

Thomas Paine

The author of "Common Sense". He argued that it was only natural for people to rule themselves instead of being ruled by a king. A famous quote includes that parents don't "make war upon their own families."

treason

The crime of disloyalty toward a ruler or government.

Second Continental Congress

The meeting of delegates from the American colonies that began in Philadelphia in 1775. The Congress approved the Declaration of Independence and acted as the colonies' government during the Revolutionary War.