LESSON 4LESSON 4

What was the philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence?

What was the philosophy behind the Declaration of Independence?

I. FIRST CONTINENTAL CONGRESS (1774)

A. Delegates from 10 of 12 colonies

B. Asked King George to correct some of the problems

C. However, stressed loyalty to the British Throne

D. Started to train militias and store munitions

What fed the fire for independence?What fed the fire for independence?

Give me liberty or give me death!

Patrick Henry

II. REASONS FOR DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCEA. Colonists outraged by

the conduct of the British military and Hessians

B. Prisoner of war status

Why would the colonists want independence?Why would the colonists want independence?

C. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense Continent should not be

ruled by an island Can’t be loyal to a king

who spills their blood Independence made

“common sense”

D. American forces had confidence

E. Foreign assistance

Why would the colonists want independence?Why would the colonists want independence?

Why would the colonists want independence?Why would the colonists want independence?III. THE DECLARATION

OF INDEPENDENCEA. July 4, 1776: Adopted

by Second Continental Congress

B. Authored by: Thomas Jefferson focused on the ideas of John Locke

Life Liberty “Pursuit of happiness”

what happened to property?

George Washington’s personal copy of the Declaration

George Washington’s personal copy of the Declaration

C.PHILOSOPHY OF THE DECLARATION1. Introduction

a. Necessary for the colonists to declare independence

b. Philosophy “All men are created equal” Guarantee of unalienable rights “life,

liberty, property” Consent of the governed Abolish unjust governments

2. List of grievances: Reasons why declaration was issued

3. Conclusion: “These united colonists are and of right ought to be free and independent states”

What was the underlying message given by the Declaration?

What was the underlying message given by the Declaration?

What lasting effect did the Declaration have upon America and the world?

What lasting effect did the Declaration have upon America and the world?

IV. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCEA. New Ideas: Equality,

unalienable rightsB. Elevated the colonial

struggle: Encouraged assistance from France and Spain

C. Source of inspiration• French Revolution• Nationalist movements in

Latin America• 20th Century Asia & Africa

D. Democratic Reforms in U.S.• Abolition of slavery• Women’s rights

movement• Civil rights movement