Declaring Independence

Question 1

What did colonies do in the lead up to independence ?

Answer 1

• mid June: Delaware instructed delegates to support independence
• New Jersey radicals ousted Governor William Franklin and sent a new delegate to congress to support independence
• New York’s provincial assembly refused to instruct delegates to support independence

Question 2

When did congress consider the question of independence and what was the outcome ?

Answer 2

1 July
- nine colonies in favour
- South Carolina and Pennsylvania against it
- two man delegation from Delaware was split
- New York abstained

Congress wanted unity so decided to return to the question the next day

Question 4

What happened a few hours after the first consideration ?

Answer 4

• Third Delaware delegate ride to Philly to support independence
• South Carolina’s delegates changed minds in favour

Question 5

What happens on the second of July ?

Answer 5

12/13 colonies voted in favour of independence
- NY abstained however they endorsed it a week later

Question 6

What did all men are created equal mean ?

Answer 6

Logically that African slaves and freemen were equal
- not the view at the time

Question 7

What were the unalienable rights listed ?

Answer 7

Life, liberty and the persuit of happiness
- to secure these rights government are created which derive their power from the people

Question 8

Is the standing army mentioned in the declaration ?

Answer 8

Yes and the qautering of troops in homes

Question 9

How important are economic factors to the declaration ?

Answer 9

Trade grievances are only mentioned once in the entire deceleration
- Americans knew they benefited from the mercantalist system
- Americans were lightly taxed in comparison to Britian
- it was principle of opposition to taxation

Question 10

What was the purpose of government on the deceleration of independence ?

Answer 10

Secure the natural rights of men and gain power through consent to government