Vocab
What does Independence mean in our readings for this lesson (pg. 213)
Freedom from a country (in this case, Great Britain); wanting to be independent
Who was Thomas Jefferson? (What did he do on the Declaration of Independence?)
Political Activist; He was the prime writer of the Declaration of Independence
Why did many representatives want to remain peaceful with Great Britain?
They didn't want to go to war; they were worried about about what might happen as a result of a war; many people considered themselves British (patriotism)
Was it a fact or an opinion that the colonies had a right to become a separate country? Why do you think so?
Opinion
What does the word Unite mean in our readings for this lesson (pg. 214)
Join together to achieve a common goal
Who was King George the III (and what was his influence on the Declaration of Independence?) (pg. 213)
King of Great Britain; he rejected the Olive Branch Petition; Declared the colonies rebellious; banned all trade with the colonies
Why do you think colonist wanted to be independent?
Because they wanted to make their own government; taxes were too high; they felt like the King didn't respect them; they could take control of their own trades.
What rights did Thomas Jefferson believe was worth fighting for?
What does the word Equality mean in our readings for this lesson (pg. 214)
Having the same rights as everyone else
Who was Benjamin Franklin and what was his impact on the Declaration of Independence? (pg. 215)
Part of the Committee of Five; An editor of the Declaration of Independence
Who did the freedoms of the Declaration of Independence apply to?
White men
Based on how it's used in the Declaration of Independence, what do you think the word "Unalienable" means?
rights that cannot be taken away
What does the word Treason mean in our readings for this lesson (pg. 215)
Attempting to overthrow ones government
Who was Thomas Paine and what was his impact on the Declaration of Independence (pg. 214)
Political Activist; supported the colonies; Encouraged delegates and colonists to seek their independence
How do you think King George III would react if he read the Declaration of Independence? Why do you think so?
Why is the Declaration of Independence important today?
Because the ideas expressed in the Declaration are the foundations of the present day US government