The Declaration of Independence and Its Impact by Brianna McManemin

Content Objective

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Students will be able to explain the key events leading to the Declaration of Independence, analyze the influence of Common Sense on public opinion, and summarize the main ideas of the Declaration, including self-determination, consent of the governed, and unalienable rights.

Louisiana Social Studies Standard

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6.11 Analyze the causes, course, and consequences of the American Revolution.

Skills Focus

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Students will develop critical thinking skills through analyzing primary sources, cause-and-effect relationships, and historical perspectives.

Essential Question

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How did the ideas and events leading to the Declaration of Independence shape America’s fight for freedom and its principles of government?

British Resistance and Growing Patriotism

briannamcmanemin — 2025-02-22 17:22:28 UTC

As the British continued to resist the colonists’ desire for self-determination, the number of Patriots grew.

Thomas Paine's Common Sense (1776)

briannamcmanemin — 2025-02-22 17:22:29 UTC

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense was a pamphlet published in 1776 that argued America should break away from Britain and become independent. He said that a king was an unfair and illegitimate ruler, and that people should govern themselves. Paine used simple, clear language so that ordinary people could understand his ideas. He encouraged Americans to fight for their freedom, and his pamphlet helped inspire many people to support independence.

Meeting in June 1776

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The Second Continental Congress met and agreed that it was time to separate from Britain.

Key Figures in Congress

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John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin

John Adams

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John Adams was a strong advocate for independence and played a crucial role in convincing the Second Continental Congress to break away from Britain. He was part of the committee assigned to draft the Declaration of Independence and later became the 2nd President of the United States. Adams was known for his powerful speeches and his Patriotism.

Jefferson's Role

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Thomas Jefferson’s document became the Declaration of Independence. It inspired new ideas for how governments should work.

Key Ideas From the Declaration

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Governments need 'the consent of the governed' to rule.
All men are created equal... with unalienable rights.

July 4, 1776 - Adoption of the Declaration of Independence

briannamcmanemin — 2025-02-22 17:22:33 UTC

On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. This declaration stated that the American colonies were breaking away from British rule and becoming an independent nation. It listed grievances against King George III, argued that governments must have the consent of the governed, and declared that all men are created equal with unalienable rights such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Review

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Thomas Jefferson

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Thomas Jefferson was the main author of the Declaration of Independence. His writing skill helped shape the document, emphasizing consent to be governed. Jefferson later became the 3rd President of the United States and continued to influence the development of the new nation.

Benjamin Franklin

briannamcmanemin — 2025-02-22 18:05:19 UTC

Benjamin Franklin was one of the most respected members of the Second Continental Congress. He helped edit the Declaration of Independence and used his diplomatic skills to gain support for the American Revolution, especially from France. Franklin was also a scientist, inventor, and writer.

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Introduction

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