Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of IndependenceWhat are the principles expressed in the D of I?What are the principles expressed in the D of I?

July 4, 1776July 4, 1776

What opinions drove the debate at the What opinions drove the debate at the Second Continental Congress?Second Continental Congress?

(Radicals vs. Moderates vs. Conservative)(Radicals vs. Moderates vs. Conservative)

What had the What had the Americans done to try Americans done to try to fix the problems?to fix the problems?– LettersLetters– PetitionsPetitions– BoycottsBoycotts– DemonstrationsDemonstrations

What were Patriots What were Patriots risking?risking?– LivesLives– PropertyProperty– HonorHonor

AuthorAuthor

Thomas JeffersonThomas Jefferson– Committee included Benjamin Franklin, John Committee included Benjamin Franklin, John

Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert LivingstonAdams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston

Influenced by John Locke and other Influenced by John Locke and other Enlightenment PhilosophesEnlightenment Philosophes

Democratic PhilosophyDemocratic Philosophy(What we believe a good government should be…)(What we believe a good government should be…)

All men are created equalAll men are created equal

Inalienable rights to life, liberty and the Inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happinesspursuit of happiness

Government by the consent of the Government by the consent of the governedgoverned

The right to alter or abolish a government The right to alter or abolish a government if it does not protect the people’s rightsif it does not protect the people’s rights

Grievances or ComplaintsGrievances or Complaints(Proof that England did not provide us with a good government)(Proof that England did not provide us with a good government)

To prove England had not provided a good To prove England had not provided a good governmentgovernment““HE”HE”Examples: Examples: – Quartering troopsQuartering troops– Interference with trade Interference with trade – Standing armiesStanding armies– Taxation without representationTaxation without representation– Waged war on “us”Waged war on “us”– Denied trial by juryDenied trial by jury– Invaded privacyInvaded privacy

Rights of new nationRights of new nation ( (Rights of the new United States)Rights of the new United States)

Declare war Declare war

Conclude peaceConclude peace

Contract alliancesContract alliances

Establish tradeEstablish trade

……anything any other nation can doanything any other nation can do

Effects of the DeclarationEffects of the Declaration

New ideas – government based on democracy; right to New ideas – government based on democracy; right to revolution, no hereditary class distinctions, no more revolution, no hereditary class distinctions, no more divine right of kingsdivine right of kingsGoal of revolution: INDEPENDENCEGoal of revolution: INDEPENDENCEGoals for US government – due process of law Goals for US government – due process of law

(Issues of equality remained: abolition of slavery, (Issues of equality remained: abolition of slavery,

civil rights movement, democratic reforms – voting rights, etc.)civil rights movement, democratic reforms – voting rights, etc.)

Inspired others Inspired others – French Revolution (1789), Latin American revolutions (early French Revolution (1789), Latin American revolutions (early

1800’s), post – WWII independence movements in Asia & Africa 1800’s), post – WWII independence movements in Asia & Africa (1945 – 1960’s); China (1989 – Tiananmen Square); Middle East (1945 – 1960’s); China (1989 – Tiananmen Square); Middle East (2011 – “Arab Spring”)(2011 – “Arab Spring”)