Declaration of Independence-summary
In exact words, what does Richard Henry Lee say in his Resolution?
"...these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states..."
What were the first seven words of the Declaration of Independence?
"When in the course of human events"
Why did they write The Declaration of Independence?
1. All other possibilities of dealing with Britain had been exhausted. 2. The world deserved an explanation for America's decision to declare independence. 3. By stating these principles, Jefferson hoped to gain support for the Revolution, both at home and abroad.
What was Britain's reaction?
King George III ignores it and declares colonies in state of rebellion, hires hessians and sends more troops to America.
What are three things that the Declaration of Independence says that the U.S. will now do as a free nation?
Levy War, contract alliances and conclude peace.
How did the first continental congress differ from the second continental congress?
the Second Continental Congress had all the delegates from the 13 colonies but the first continental Congress had 12(no georgia)
What does The Declaration of Independence explain/discuss?
1. It explains why he Declaration was written. 2. Discusses of the the right of human beings and the responsibility of government to its citizens 3. Shows how Britain has violated those principles by listing the grievances against George the III. 4. Declares the USA as a newly formed, free and independent nation. 5. Discusses the powers of the new nation: Make war and peace, Make alliances with foreign nations, Establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states do. 6. Says that the new nation is open for business. can make, sign treaties, enter alliances with foreign nations, and establish commerce.
What are three british wrongs?
1. They taxed us without our consent. 2. Didn't allow us to trade with other places. 3. Kept armies during time of peace without consent of our legislature.
What does Thomas Jefferson think about people's rights and purpose of government?
1.People are born with inalienable rights. 2. Purpose of government is to secure these rights. 3. If government does not do this, the people can alter or abolish it.
What is the Second Continental Congress?
A temporary decision-making body that debated, deliberated and made decisions on important issues related to the conflict with Britain.
What were two self-evident truths that the Declaration of Independence defines?
All men are created equal They are born with certain inalienable rights.
What can people do if government doesn't do their job?
Alter or abolish it, Impeach people, make new amendments.
Who was in the committee to write the declaration?
Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston.
Why did the Second Continental Congress meet?
Coordinate war, attempt at reconciliation/friends with Britain and attempt to defend the rights of the American Colonies. In the end, decides to declare independence.
What were key decisions that the Second Continental Congress make?
Create a continental army and appoint George Washington as commander. Send Olive Branch Petition Declare Independence
The Olive Branch Petition: Purpose?
Declare loyalty to England but asks that America be treated fairly in terms of tax, laws and trade.
Who was in the Second Continental Congress?
Delegates from each of the 13 colonies, the most wealthy, powerful and influential men from each of the American Colonies.
What is the Declaration of Independence?
It is a document that declared independence from Britain and the formation of a new country, the USA.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
It was written by Thomas Jefferson.
Who asked Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?
John Adams.
What are the inalienable rights?
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
When did the Second Continental Congress meet?
May 1775-July 1776
What was the Lee Resolution?
Official proposal for independence before second continental congress.
What parts was The Declaration of Independence written/organized?
Part: 1. Natural Rights: discusses natural rights and the role of government, and why The Declaration of Independence was written. 2. British Wrongs: A list of offenses committed by the British against the Americans. 3. Declaring Independence: a declaration that American is independent from Britain.
Where did the Second Continental Congress meet?
Philadelphia.
Why George Washington appointed commander of the continental army?
Political(Choosing a Virginian brings the South into the war too) Military Experience Reputation/Character(Honesty, leadership)
When did Richard Lee Revolution propose the Declaration of Independence?
Proposed in June 7, 1776. Remember by six seven seven six. 7/7/76
Who proposed independence?
Richard Henry Lee proposed independence.
What does the Olive Branch Petition do to Britain?
Sends mixed messages.
When was The Declaration of Independence signing completed?
Signing completed by August 2, 1776
What is the enlightenment theory that John Locke wrote?
Social Contract theory: Government should serve people or they can get overthrown and people must follow the laws or they can go to jail, get fined or get executed.
What did the Continental Congress change when they edited it?
The Continental Congress decided that a controversial passage in which Jefferson condemned slavery should be removed, as the South found it offensive.
Where was The Declaration of Independence written?
The Declaration of Independence was written is Philadelphia.
Who edited and adopted the Declaration of Independence?
The Second Continental Congress edited and adopted the Declaration of Independence.
Where does government get its power from?
They get power from the people who give government the power to govern them.
What do the signers of the Declaration of Independence pledge?
They pledge their lives, their fortunes and their sacred honor.
According to the Declaration of Independence, what is the role of the government?
To secure the inalienable rights.
When did The Declaration of Independence be formally adopted and go into effect?
Went into effect on July 4, 1776.
What does the first line of the Declaration of Independence mean?
When one country breaks from another, we should tell people why
