The document summarizes key events in the American Revolution that led to the Declaration of Independence. It discusses how initially most colonists did not support independence, hoping for reconciliation with Britain instead. However, Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" attacked King George III and argued strongly for independence, selling hundreds of thousands of copies and changing colonist opinions. In 1776 the Continental Congress proposed a resolution on independence and decided to write a formal declaration. Thomas Jefferson was selected to write the document, which had four parts: an introduction, a declaration of rights stating all men are created equal, a list of grievances against the king, and a formal declaration of independence.

1. Chapter Four: The American Revolution
Section Two: The Revolution Begins
(Continued)
C. The Decision for Independence
a. Even after the fighting broke out at __________ and Concord
most colonists did not support the idea of independence.
b. Most had hoped for ____________________.
c. Common Sense
i. _______________ published by Thomas Paine.
ii. Attacked King George III and specifically _____________
him for the colonists problems.
iii. Called him a ________________ and made a very strong
argument for American independence.
iv. The pamphlets sold _______________ of copies and helped
change the minds of the colonists.
d. June 1776 – a resolution on independence was proposed in the
________________ Continental Congress.
e. Congress decided to write a ________________, formally
declaring independence.
f. Thomas __________________ was selected to write the document.
CHUNK #3 – Turn to pages 134-136. List the four parts of the Declaration and
explain each part.
Part One –
Part Two –
Part Three –
Part Four -

2. D. The Declaration of Independence
a. Purpose: to _____________ a revolution, to declare independence
and to express the values of the new nation.
b. Part One: the ______________ (Introduction)
c. Part Two: Declaration of Rights – declared “all men are
______________ equal”.
i. Mentioned the ________________ Contract Theory.
d. Part Three: List of ______________ – listed all the freedoms,
rights etc. that had been denied to the colonies.
e. Part Four: Formal Declaration of ______________________.