Unit 1: The American Colonies & The Revolution

9. Declaration of Independence

SWBAT assess actions of the colonies and reactions of

the English government that would eventually lead to America declaring independence.

Lesson Objective

Congress A group of representatives who come together to debate

and pass laws for a country.

The Story So Far… Describe three events that influenced the colonies to wish

to declare independence from England.

Chart & Share out Discussion: Do you think all colonists were united in

the wish to declare independence from England?

Word of the Day/Initial Activity

Focus Question: How did the American colonies begin to move

towards independence?

Read Continental Congress How did the Continental Congress hope to first gain greater

independence from the English government? Write a claim and support it with a piece of evidence from the text

Read Common Sense Describe the central argument to each of Thomas Paine’s

statements Extension Activity

How could have the English government responded to the Continental Congress to prevent them from rebellion as promised?

Share Out

Activity 1: Colonial Steps to Revolution

2 minute to write down a response to this

question:

At this point in 1775, do you think Revolution was inevitable OR could the English government have avoided it by giving the colonies greater freedom to trade and self-rule?

Turn & Talk: 30 seconds per partner Share Out

Colonial Reaction to British Rule QuickWrite/ Turn &

Talk

Focus Question: How did the colonists rationalize

their argument for independence from England?

Read The Declaration of Independence Describe three arguments Thomas Jefferson cites

as justification for the colonies declaring independence from England.

Extension Activity: Predict how the English government will respond to the

Declaration of Independence. Share Out & Write 1 question you have after this

reading

Activity 2: English Precedent of Revolution

1. Common Sense

a. “awakening of the mind” in 17th century Europe 2. The Continental Congress

a. response to absolute monarchs b. social contract theory- people give gov. consent to rule

a. power comes from the people. 3. The Declaration of Independence

a. Magna Carta, 1215 a. King gives Barons property & tax rights

b. English Bill of Rights, 1689 a. King gives more power to parliament b. freedom of speech, right to bare arms, police need warrants,

etc.

Mini-Lesson

Exit Ticket"... Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART. ..."- Thomas Paine, common Sense

In this quotation, Thomas Paine is trying to convince the colonists toa. accept the Proclamation of 1763b. break a treaty with Spainc. declare their independence from Englandd. dissolve their alliance with France

2) Share with me one thing that you find interesting from class today. Why do you find it interesting?3) Share with me one-way in which the information from class today affects your life today.

Summary