In this Grade 8 lesson from America: History of Our Nation, students examine how Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense built colonial support for independence and how Richard Henry Lee's resolution moved Congress toward a formal break with Britain. Students also analyze the structure of the Declaration of Independence, including its preamble and grievances, and the role Thomas Jefferson played in drafting it.
Section 1
Thomas Paine Persuades Colonists to Seek Independence
Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' used powerful logic to inspire Americans to break from Britain. Published in 1776, it sold 500,000 copies and transformed public opinion regarding independence from England.
Section 2
Jefferson Crafts Declaration Based on Natural Rights
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence using Enlightenment ideas like natural rights. The document explains why colonists should separate from Britain through a logical structure of principles and grievances.
Section 3
Congress Transforms Colonies into Independent States
On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, changing the Revolution's purpose from seeking fair treatment to creating a new nation where citizens pledged "their Lives, Fortunes and sacred Honor."
Section 4
Declaration Lists Grievances Against King George
The Declaration includes specific complaints about King George III violating colonists' rights, from imposing taxes without consent to depriving them of jury trials, proving the king was "unfit to rule a free people."
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Section 1
Thomas Paine Persuades Colonists to Seek Independence
Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense' used powerful logic to inspire Americans to break from Britain. Published in 1776, it sold 500,000 copies and transformed public opinion regarding independence from England.
Section 2
Jefferson Crafts Declaration Based on Natural Rights
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence using Enlightenment ideas like natural rights. The document explains why colonists should separate from Britain through a logical structure of principles and grievances.
Section 3
Congress Transforms Colonies into Independent States
On July 4, 1776, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence, changing the Revolution's purpose from seeking fair treatment to creating a new nation where citizens pledged "their Lives, Fortunes and sacred Honor."
Section 4
Declaration Lists Grievances Against King George
The Declaration includes specific complaints about King George III violating colonists' rights, from imposing taxes without consent to depriving them of jury trials, proving the king was "unfit to rule a free people."
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter