Chapter 4

Section 3: Ideas Behind the Revolution

Common Sense

•Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine

•January 1776 •Persuaded many people to support a complete break from Britain

The Declaration of Independence

•Second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia May 1775

•The Delegates–Deeply divided on Revolt

–Sam & John Adams, Patrick Henry, & Richard Henry Lee leaned towards independence

–John Dickinson favored a compromised to increase self rule

• Olive Branch

Petition– Rejected by King in Nov. –Expressed the colonists’ continued loyalty &

begged the king to halt the fighting

•June- Committee to prepare the Declaration–Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston, & Franklin

Drafting a Declaration

•Influenced by the Enlightenment–Emphasized the thinking of science & reason to improve society

•Ideas of John Locke

Parts of the Declaration•4 sections

1.Preamble- Introduction2.Declaration of rights

•Natural rights -John Locke(unalienable rights)–Can’t be taken away–Liberty, Life, Property–People form governments to protect their natural rights

•People have the right to revolt & replace their government

•Consent of the governed3. List of complaints against the King

•Complaints/ grievances–Rule of law

4. Resolution of independence

The Declaration is Adopted

•Ratified July 4, 1776

“Remember the Ladies”

•Abigail Adams pleaded with her husband to give women more rights–Also thought slavery should be addressed by Congress