Lesson 3: Declaring Independence

Key Idea

When the Second Continental Congress first met on May 10, 1775, many delegates were not ready for independence. They made one final attempt at peace by sending the Olive Branch Petition to King George III, promising loyalty if he protected their rights.

The king rejected the petition and declared the colonies in rebellion. This showed the delegates that a peaceful agreement was not possible. In response, the Congress began to act as a government, creating the Continental Army to defend the colonies against the British.

Key Idea

In early 1776, many colonists were still unsure about leaving Great Britain. The idea of creating a new country without a king was a big and frightening step for many people.

A writer named Thomas Paine helped change their minds. He published a pamphlet called "Common Sense" that used simple, direct language. It argued that it was only logical for the colonies to rule themselves and not be governed by a distant king.

Key Idea

The Second Continental Congress chose a Committee of Five to write an official announcement of independence. Thomas Jefferson was the main author of this important document, which was carefully structured to make a powerful argument to the world.

The Declaration of Independence has three main parts. The first part, the Preamble, explains the colonists' beliefs about government. The second part lists their complaints, or grievances, against King George III. The final part officially declared that the colonies were now free and independent states.

Key Idea

The Declaration of Independence did more than just announce a break from Britain. It shared a powerful new idea about the relationship between people and their government.

Thomas Jefferson wrote that all people are born with unalienable rights. These are basic freedoms that cannot be taken away, such as the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.