Chapter 6
The American Revolution
Section One
Independence Declared
Strengths and Weaknesses
I. COLONISTS
Strengths Weaknesses
Fighting to defend their homes No training
Good shots (aim) No Weapons
George Washington was their leader
BRITAIN
Strengths Weaknesses
Highly trained, experience troops Fighting far from home
Strongest Navy in the world Supplies take months to get to troops
II. A Call for Independence
A. Colonists Divided
v Continental Congress = 1/3 want independence
B. A Little Common Sense
1. Common Sense written by Thomas Paine
· January 1776
2. Boldly urged colonists to break away from Britain
3. Swayed many colonists to break from British rule
C. Reasons to Break from Britain
1. Britain was too far away to govern effectively
2. Britain was using the colonies for trade
3. Rule by God is ridiculous
D.Virginia’s Resolution
1. May 1776- Virginia authorizes its delegates to support independence
2. Henry Lee- Introduces a resolution to separate from Britain
III. Declaring Independence
A. Continental Congress- June 1776
1. Colonists could be tried as traitors
· Someone who goes against their country
2. John Adams, Ben Franklin and Thomas Jefferson were chosen to write the Declaration
· Tell the world why they wanted to break from England
3. Jefferson was chosen to write the Declaration
B. The Vote for Independence
1. July 4, 1776- Congress accepts the Declaration of Independence
· Independence Day!
2.View of war changes- Now its about the break!
IV. The Declaration of Independence
· Begins with a Preamble- Introduction as to why the break from Britain
· Broken into three sections
· Written by Thomas Jefferson
A. Basic or Natural Rights
1. All men are created equal
2. Given inalienable rights
· Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness
B. British Wrongdoings ( Grievances)
1. Took away colonial legislature
2. Using troops in times of peace
3. No trail by jury
4. Taxation without consent
C. Independent Nation (Dissolving the Bonds)
1. Declares that the colonies are now the United States of America
2. Could trade and make alliances and trade with whoever they choose