Declaration of Independence

• Thomas Paine wrote "Common Sense" to persuade colonists to seek independence from Britain.
• Colonists began advocating for independence or freedom from British rule.
• John Adams, a delegate from Massachusetts, strongly supported independence at the Second Continental Congress.
• Richard Henry Lee, a delegate from Virginia, proposed a resolution for a formal declaration of independence.
• Congress formed a committee to draft a declaration, with Thomas Jefferson of Virginia writing the initial version.

Declaration of Independence

• The declaration explains why it was needed and asserts the colonists' right to form a new nation.
• It outlines the colonists' core beliefs about government and inalienable rights.
• A key idea was that all men are created equal and have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• A lengthy list of grievances against King George III and Parliament is included.
• Attempts by the colonists to peacefully resolve differences are mentioned.
• It declares that the colonies are free and independent states.
• On June 28, 1776, Jefferson presented his draft to Congress, which was debated and revised.
• On July 2, 1776, Congress approved Lee's resolution, formally cutting ties with Britain.
• Colonists felt they were free to make their own moves as independence on July 4, 1776.
• On July 4, 1776, Congress adopted the final version of the Declaration.
• On July 8, 1776, Colonel John Nixon publicly read the Declaration for the first time in Philadelphia.
• News of the Declaration spread across the colonies, leading to celebrations and symbolic acts against King George III.

Aftermath

• August 2, 1776, members of the Second Continental Congress signed the Declaration.
• John Hancock, President of Congress, signed his name prominently.
• Signing was dangerous, as it was considered treason punishable by death if the war was lost.
• Initially, only white men who owned property could vote.
• Abigail Adams advocated for women's rights in the new nation, but these were not immediately granted.
• Full rights and freedoms for women, African Americans, and Native Americans would take many years to achieve.
• A committee was formed to unite the 13 states, leading to the Articles of Confederation.

Articles of Confederation

• The plan was that each state would govern itself but collaborate on national issues.
• Approved by Congress in 1777 and later by the states.
• Each state would elect representatives to a national legislature called the Confederation Congress.
• Each state had one vote in Congress, regardless of size.
• Congress made laws for the nation until 1789 and helped maintain unity during the Revolutionary War.

Weaknesses of the Articles

• Many Americans feared a strong national government would threaten their freedom.
• Most power was given to the individual states.
• Passing laws required approval from representatives of at least nine of the 13 states, leading to frequent disagreements.
• Congress lacked the power to enforce laws.
• While Congress could declare war, make treaties, and borrow money, it could not control trade or collect taxes.
• Congress relied on states to pay and supply soldiers, but could not compel them to do so.