WHO/WHAT AM I? I was the last attempt that Congress made to avoid war. I informed the King that the American colonists were willing to remain loyal to Britain. I stated that war could be avoided if the colonists were given more freedom.
the Olive Branch Petition
What are “unalienable rights”?
Rights that cannot be taken away.
The Second Continental Congress began meeting in what city?
Philadelphia
Explain why the signors of the Declaration of Independence would be considered traitors?
They were going against their own country and its leader; Britain and the King.
Name the three unalienable rights Jefferson wrote about.
...life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Many members of Congress agreed that it was time to vote for independence. Why did they delay the vote?
They wanted to make sure that all the colonies agreed.
When was the Declaration approved?
July 4, 1776
Who was NOT on the committee that would prepare the Declaration? Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Robert Livingston
George Washington
Why was Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, “Common Sense,” so effective?
It was written in language that was easy for people to understand.
True or False? John Hancock was the President of the United States in 1775.
False - He was the president of Congress
What was the first thing the Second Continental Congress decided to do?
form the Continental Army
What THREE things did people know to be true about Thomas Jefferson?
quiet, intelligent, excellent writer
What were the people free to do if their government abuses their unalienable rights?
They were free to form a new government.
What was the name of the document the colonists sent to the King stating that they wanted to not be under his rule anymore?
the Declaration of Independence
How long did it take Jefferson to write the Declaration?
2 weeks
Why is July 4 significant to us today?
It is the day we celebrate our independence as a country.
What kind of rebellion did the King say the American colonies were taking part in?
an illegal rebellion
What’s the worst thing that could happen to the signors of the Declaration if the colonists were not successful in their fight for freedom?
They could be executed/hanged.
What "injury" did the Declaration of Independence state the King imposed on the colonists?
taxes without consent
Who did John Adams suggest to lead the Continental Army?
George Washington
True or False? The King ripped up the Olive Branch Petition after he read it.
False - He refused to read it.
True or False? The goal of the Declaration of Independence was to tell the King that the colonists were still willing to be loyal to Britain.
False - The goal was separate from Britain.
What was the name of the army formed by the Second Continental Congress?
the Continental Army
Who asked Congress to vote for independence from Britain?
Richard Lee Henry
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