Declaration of Independence

July 4, 1776

The Plot• Colonists are frustrated by the outbreak of war and

feel it’s time to break away from Britain.

• The feeling in the Colonies is quickly changing from Pro British to Anti British, largely due to the writings of Thomas Paine in his pamphlet “Common Sense”. This persuaded many colonists that time had come to declare independence.

• Richard Henry Lee makes the resolution for independence at the Second Cont. Congress in early June of 1776. They appoint committee to write D of I.

Plot continued…

• Jefferson writes draft of D of I.

• Committee revises and submits to the Second CC.

• On July 4th, 1776, SCC formally approves the D of I.

• News spreads slowly. Crowds gather to hear reading of the D of I. They cheer loudly, shoot off guns (even though powder is in low supply), and celebrate the news.

Key People and Groups• Richard Henry Lee: proposes independence.

• Thomas Jefferson: nominated to write draft of DI (because he is the youngest member, and a great writer)

• Ben Franklin, John Adams, Robert Livingston, Roger Sherman: Delegates on the committee to help revise declaration

• Thomas Paine: author of the best selling pamphlet “Common Sense” (500,000 copies)

• John Hancock: President of Second CC … signs D of I first in big letters so the King could see without his spectacles.

Historical Significance/Importance

• There is NO TURNING BACK. They are now officially traitors in the eyes of the British and will be put to death, if not successful.

• Birth of our country … colonists are free from England (on paper only at this point).

• D. I. was written to explain why it was time for the colonies to separate from Great Britain.

• D. I. becomes framework for future changes around the world: France, India, Latin America

OUTCOME• Official declaration of freedom (and war)

from Britain. • The D.I. outlined guiding principles for the

new government (benefits for people and consent of people).

• Declares that all people are born with certain rights that include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

• The D.I. officially announced sovereignty from Britain to the world.