Chapter 2, Section 3Declaring Independence

p. 49-53

Building on Enlightenment ideas, the Declaration of Independence uses step-by-step logic to explain

why the colonists wanted to cast off British rule.

C2S3 Focus Question

How did “Common Sense” and the Declaration of Independence draw on British traditions & Enlightenment thinkers?

The Revolution BeginsMain Idea: The first battles of the American Revolution broke out in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord.

• 700 British soldiers “Red Coats” march (by sea) to Lexington and Concord to seize weapons

• British kill eight minutemen (militia that could assemble quickly) then move on to Concord, still looking for Sam Adams and John Hancock

• Word spreads, more militia show up, British flee back to Boston

• 273 British causualties while running back to Boston

• The War is on!• Play “the Shot Heard

‘Round the World”

Battles of Lexington & Concord – April 19, 1775

America’s First Army• Second Continental Congress

Meets in May 1775. Then, on June 14….

• Names George Washington Commander of Continental Army– Before Washington arrives in Boston…

• Battle of Bunker Hill (June 1775)

• Colonists lose, but kill 1000 British – only 500 colonial casualties

First known portrait of

George Washingtonin Virginia Regiment uniform - 1772

Battle of Bunker Hill – June 17,1775“Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

Debate Over IndependenceMain Idea: While few colonists at first call for independence, public opinion shifts, helped in part by the writings of Thomas Paine.

• Thomas Paine publishes a 50 page pamphlet titled “Common Sense”.– Uses forceful, everyday language

making a case for independence“Everything that is right and

natural pleads for separation…’TIS TIME TO PART.” – T. Paine, 1776

• “Common Sense” is a bestseller throughout the colonies – Helps sway the undecided 1/3

toward Independence – See Primary Sources on p. 617

Thomas Paine – Common Sense(Published anonymously in January 1776)

The Declaration of IndependenceMain Idea: In bold, clear words, draws on the ideas of the Enlightenment and the writings of John Locke, states that the colonists have a right to throw off British rule.

Written by Thomas Jefferson, in 4 parts:1. Preamble (introduction) explains its goal.2. Declaration of Natural Rights – “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”3. List of grievances (formal complaints) against King George III.4. Resolution of Independence – (conclusion)

– King George accused of violating natural rights of the people, therefore have right to overthrow British rule.

Declaration of Independence-Adopted July 4, 1776

HOW TO READ HISTORYPRIMARY SOURCES – JOHN ADAMS

Chapter 2 begins with an excerpt from a primary source, The Works of John Adams, on page 36. Read the passage then discuss the following questions with your group (the people at your table).

1. What words were unfamiliar to you? Can you determine their meanings?

2. What is the overall message of the passage? What does Adams think of Thomas Jefferson? Of himself?

3. Why do you think Adams says “a Virginian ought to appear at the head of this business.”?

C2S3 Focus QuestionQ: How did Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence draw on British traditions and Enlightenment thinkers?A: Thomas Paine used logic and reason to call for separation from Britain. Much of the Declaration of Independence was based on the idea of natural rights developed by John Locke during the Enlightenment. The Declaration also pointed out grievances that were based on violations of the Magna Carta by the British government.