The Declaration of Independence
What was a colonist called who wanted freedom from King George III?
A Patriot
Who was a woman who fought for equal rights?
Abigail Adams. John Adams wife.
What does independence mean?
Freedom from being ruled by someone else.
What did Patrick Henry, a patriot, say in a speech?
Give me liberty or give me death!
What are rights?
Rights are freedoms that are protected by a government's laws.
Why was signing the declaration dangerous?
Britain would call the delegates who signed it traitors and could hang them.
Who was Richard Henry Lee
He was a Virginia delegate that asked congress to officially declare independence on June 7, 1776.
What was different in 1776 in the words "all men are created equal?" from today
In 1776, all colonists could not exercise the same rights. Only white men who owned property could vote
What is a declaration?
It is a statement that declares or announces an idea?
What was Thomas Paine's pamphlet called and what did it say?
It was called Common Sense. It said that King George treated colonies unfairly and only thing for colonies to do was to become independent.
How did King George not protect the colonists rights?
One example was that King George had taxed the colonists and sent soldiers to control them.
Were these ideas about governments serving the people new?
No, English thinkers, like John Locke had written about these ideas.
What is the main idea of the declaration of independence?
The declaration sets forth basic ideas of freedom and equality.
What happened on July 4, 1776?
The second continental congress voted to accept the declaration
What did Thomas Jefferson write about in the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson wrote that all people are born with rights. Right to be free, the right to live, etc. Jefferson argued that a government should protect these rights. If it doesn't then the people have a right to start a new government.
What is treason?
Treason is the crime of fighting against ones own government.
Answer yes or no to the two questions below. 1.)Does the declaration state that everyone has certain rights? 2. Can a government take away those rights?
Yes and no
