4-2 Declaring IndependencePages 118-121

Answers to the Questions

1. What was Common Sense and what was its effect on the American Revolution?

Pamphlet distributed at first in Philadelphia in January of 1776

Thomas Paine argued citizens should make the laws which was a bold idea

Effects 1. changed way colonists saw their king 2. case for economic freedom and

military self defense 3. carried out against tyranny

2. Who was the main writer of the Declaration of Independence?

Thomas Jefferson

3. What three points did Jefferson try to make about government in his writing of the Declaration of Independence?

1. all people possess unalienable rights of “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness”

2. King George violated colonists’ rights with taxation without representation

3. colonies had the right to break free from England – Enlightenment Idea

4. When was the Declaration of Independence approved?

July 4, 1776

5. What were the two main positions on the American Revolution?

Loyalists – people who sided with the British also called Tories (20 to 30% of population) Many loyalists left the colonies due to

persecution Patriots – supporters of Declaration

(40-45% of population) Considered traitors and could be killed if

caught

6. What was the early role of Native Americans in the American Revolution?

Native American were being recruited by both sides, but most would end up siding with the British cause of colonists stealing their lands

7. Whose rights were not protected by the Declaration of Independence? Why do you think NOT!

- Women, enslaved Africans, and Native Americans

Why do you think NOT????