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Their hearts hammered in their chests. Their minds raced with terrifying thrills for the future. Their eyes brightened as they read the words that would set them free. Their hands shook and their palms sweat as they signed away their lives. Their mouths trembled as they voiced their acceptance of independence… and in that moment, the delegates realized that they had changed the course of America, forever. But let’s go back to where this all began, the convening of the Second Continental Congress. The Second Continental Congress came to be because Britain had failed to work through the issues the colonies brought to its attention. This congress met on May 10, 1775, and consisted of around sixty members with Peyton Randolph as president and …show more content…
Charles Thomson as secretary. At this time, there wasn’t any discussion of creating an independent country because the colonies wanted, more than anything, to call a truce and reconcile with Great Britain, they weren’t interested in causing war or bloodshed. So when the Second Continental Congress went underway, the colonies instructed their delegates to do whatever they had to do in order to create peace between the British colonies and the mother country. The colonies wanted to make amends and recreate that loyal allegiance once again. Although the delegates went into the congress thinking they would be putting their ideas together to figure out how to reconcile, it didn’t take long for the subject to shift. On May 16, only six days after the first meeting, the untouched issue over what the congress hoped to achieve came to the surface. The first brave soul to breach the topic was a South Carolinian by the name of John Rutledge. Rutledge wondered,” Do We aim at independency? Or do We only ask for restoration of Rights and putting of Us on Our old footings?”(Maier 18). This question steered the minds of many delegates to ask themselves if reconciliation was the best bet or if independence should be a viable option.
Even with independency in mind, the delegates and the American people were in no place to disregard their heritage and ancestors and break away from the country that made them. This American opinion was evident because even during the year of 1775, every political document clearly stated that the goal of the colonies was to reach an agreement with Britain. The idea that the colonies could sever their ties with the mother country and become a country of their own was not and option yet. There are multiple examples of how adamant the colonies were to not have their independence from Britain. The Declaration of Taking Up Arms, which was approved on July 6, 1775, stated,” We have not raised armies with ambitious designs of separating from Great-Britain, and establishing Independent states” (Maier 20). Another example of their opposition to separation is seen in the address “to the Inhabitants of Great-Britain”, which was approved on July 8, 1775. This document assured Britain that the colonies had no intention of gaining Independence by saying, Americans are “Descendants of Britons” that will defend the freedoms that their “ virtuous Ancestors” had “ fought, bled and conquered” for. It added that the accusations that they …show more content…
sought Independence were just “Allegation of your [the King] Ministers” (Maier 20). A speech intended for the Iroquois Confederacy, approved by Congress on July 13, 1775, explained that this idea Britain had that the colonies planned to seek Independence was not an issue between America and the King. It was the Kings advisors that were inserting those falsities into the minds of the British and the mind of the King. This speech was meant to show that the colonies were still loyal to King George and it was his men that were the real problem in this situation. America was not yet ready to contemplate Independence, but that didn’t stop certain individuals, like Thomas Paine, from publicly proposing the idea.
Thomas Paine, was, by far, one of the most influential players in the movement toward and independent America. Paine is most known for his pamphlet, Common Sense. This piece of writing was raw and unlike any pamphlet of its time, it said what everyone was thinking and didn’t beat around the bush in an attempt to be politically correct. He brought forth ideas that he felt were the root of the problem with Great Britain- monarchy and hereditary rule. He went on to say that the best way to fix a government such as Britain’s was to create a new one with a heavy focus on republican ideals. Perhaps the most important contribution Paine made, whether people acknowledged it or not, was that he discussed and contemplated the issue of independence rather than running from it. He weighed the pros and cons and hypothesized that “American’s were too afraid to embrace Independence. Not only because they thought better of the old regime than it deserved, but also because they had no plans for a new one”(Maier 32). Paine was of the opinion that people were too scared to take that first step because they had no idea what their futures would look like. He proposed multiple ways to make a stronger, fairer government, and centered his propositions on one idea: “the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to be disordered, and the easier
repaired when disordered”(Maier 32). Plain and simple, he felt that the more straightforward the government, the better the government; and to achieve this government, revolution was imperative. Common Sense changed people’s views; it opened their eyes to the reality of America’s situation and created many supporters of independence. Thomas Pain’s work got the people of America involved in the revolutionary discussion of the time. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense sparked major thought and discussion over America’s future and whether it would become a republic or if it would remain the child of Great Britain. Although, Paine is not responsible for that final nudge that pushed America into wanting independence. That award goes to Britain. Parliament made decisions that were unfair and too controlling, and the colonies knew that separation would allow them to have freedoms they didn’t have under British rule. Ideas began to form about Parliament’s wrong doings, one being that Parliament issued taxes and rules but the colonies didn’t have any representation in Parliament so they had no say in what laws were being passed and no say in what they would be taxed for. That’s where the chant “No taxation without Representation” originates. Parliament also passed the Declaratory Act of 1776, which stated that Parliament could “bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever”, which meant that Parliament had total control over the colonies. The colonies did not look at this act in agreement, they didn’t want to be under the total rule of another country, and they wanted a part in the decision-making. The colonies decided that they wanted to separate from Parliament; but separation from Parliament would lead to separation from Britain (Maier 23). Americans were so sure that Parliament was the real enemy, but what about the king? Hadn’t he allowed Parliament to do the things it did? It didn’t take long for the colonies to see the king for who he really was, a tyrant. In a speech to Parliament on October 26, 1775, King George said that the colonies’ attitudes were “manifestly carried on for the purpose of establishing and independent Empire”(Maier 25). Long before the colonies had deliberated over accepting independence, the king was already putting words in their mouths by implying that their intentions were to create and “independent empire”. Eventually, without the King planting the idea, Britain could see that the colonies wanted independence because they began to personally blame the King by listing their grievances with him and his actions. Putting the blame directly on the King helped Britain see that the colonies were serious. American’s felt that they “faced a King who stood resolutely behind he right of Parliament to pass laws for the colonies ‘in all cases whatsoever’, who would not so much as receive their carefully drafted and explicitly loyal petitions for redress of grievances with graciousness, who had approved an act of Parliament that removed them from his protection and consigned their ships to be seized like those of open enemies, whose government authorized efforts to raise Indians and slaves against the colonists, who had carried on a war with them for a year and was at the time preparing a major military expedition, including hired German soldiers, to subdue them”(Maier 90). All of these reasons led the colonies to recognize that the Kin g they once admired and respected was no longer looking out for their best interest, and it was time for them to separate and create and identity of their own. Some may argue that it was hasty of the colonists to change their minds on independence in such a short period of time, but like Robert Morris, a Pennsylvanian, put it, regarding the capture of US vessels and the wrecking of colonial towns, “numerous acts of wanton barbarity and cruelty perpetrated by the British Forces has prepared men’s minds for an Independency, that were shock’d at the idea a few weeks ago”(Maier 28). Morris’ quote shows that the colonists had not planed to feel the way they felt, it was Britain that made them feel that way. Some men were completely sold and eager to draw that line of separation, once and for all, between Britain and the colonies. However, many others felt it best to wait and let events run their course to see if reconciliation could still be feasible. What’s shocking, is that even in 1776, the year the Declaration was adopted, the colonies hadn’t unanimously agreed on becoming independent. The Middle Colonies, especially, were against rushing into separation; in fact, at the end of 1775 and the start of 1776 those middle colonies made rules stating that their delegates were not allowed to take part or agree to cut ties with Britain.
During the American Revolution the not yet established United States, held two Continental Congresses that eventually help defeat Britain. The First Continental Congress informed the local militias to prepare for war. The Second Continental Congress helped end the war and issue the Declaration of Independence. The Second Continental congress sought out to create a national government for our new country named the Articles of Confederation. However, The Articles of Confederation had many problems, for example, Congress and the states shared the right to regulate currency and issue money. This led to an excess of currency, which pushed down the value of currency and created inflationary pressure on the Continental dollar. The downfall of the Articles of Confederation ultimately sparked a political conflict between
Paine dwells on the differences between government and society. He stresses greatly on the fact that a government should be able to protect its society. Giving life and liberty to its people. He also points out that, Britain is the main cause of enemy to the Americas. Expressing disagreement with the British in American, he criticized the British government. He believes that the monarchy has too much power and their system is unreasonable. Paine complicates matters further when he writes, that the Americans are not British anymore. It is not British in a sense that it is so diverse, with different types of Europeans. In Paine’s views Britain is not a mother country, since it imposes harsh treatments and is in a war too often. The idea of best interest was important to Paine. In his views, Britain sees the Americas as profitable institutions to control and gains riches from, as opposed to the development and freedom of the nations. Independence from Britain was one of many ideas of this pamphlet. “Common Sense”, essentially pointed out the reasons why the colonies should leave the British and form a new government. His views on government inspired “Limited government” and “natural laws”, which gives citizens more control on how they shape their local environment and
Thomas Paine is undoubtedly one of the most prolific founding fathers of the United States, albeit not in the manner most would expect from a founding father. Paine was not a drafter of the constitution, nor was he an early member of Congress or President of the United States. However, Paine did have a profound impact on society, not only in America, but also abroad. Often remembered for helping spur the American Revolution, yet not as often remembered for the other revolution in France. Two of the more famous writings from Paine are, of course, Common Sense and The Rights of Man, both of which were written during revolutionary times in separate countries. It goes without saying that when a revolution is taking place there will be many on both sides of the war; in both of these instances, Paine was the voice of the people and stood up for what was right regardless of the consequences. I posit Thomas Paine was the most influential man for revolution in America and France despite fear of backlash or imprisonment. In fact, near the end of his life Paine was not only imprisoned, but somehow evaded being beheaded as well. Thomas Paine was even more influential as a result of his extreme lack of self-interest and ability to stay true to the cause of his writings rather than wither away in fear.
The Declaration of Independence refers to “our constitution”, in this respect they were referring to the Ancient British Constitution. The United States was expressing the fundamental aspects of British politics; among these were Classic Republicanism, Enlightenment Liberalism, and Protestant Christianity. In the Declaration they balanced all of these English traditions; expressing what they believed to be the true spirit of the British Constitution. As Edmund Burke would say, “(the Revolution) was carried out not to create new liberties but to preserve old ones” (Wood, p. 58). The main issue that the colonies had with the British following 1763, was England’s belief in the doctrine of
The Second Continental Congress was an organization that started having meetings to make decisions on where to attack the British and how to defend themselves. This foundation was created because it was during the war in Lexington and Concord, so they needed someone to help make their decisions and help decide attack methods. The Congress representatives originally met during the Revolutionary War; their first meeting being on May 10, 1775. The representatives (a person or people sent to represent something) came from 12 of the original 13 colonies.
Thomas Paine, in the pamphlet Common Sense, succeeded in convincing the indifferent portion of colonial society that America should secede from Britain through moral and religious, economic, and governmental arguments. Using strong evidence, targeting each separate group of people, Thomas Paine served not only to sway the public 's opinion on American independence, but also to mobilize the effort to achieve this ultimatum.
Thomas Paine wrote the Common Sense and in this pamphlet he wrote about America’s separation and independence from Great Britain. His argument stated that America is a large continent and we are in charge of our own fate and direction (Paine 107). Paine further explained that people migrated to America to escape the control of the King and his laws. Paine introduced a theory when comparing America to a small island, that it is possible if separated we can come together and make our own laws and run the country as we see fit (Paine 109). Paine believes that we are no longer in need of Britain’s help and that we can eventually form alliances with other countries as we stand alone outside of Britain’s control.
July 4th of 1776 is arguably the most significant day in American history. On this day, the thirteen British colonies won their independence from Great Britain, their mother country at the time. The war that allowed the colonies to gain their independence was, of course, the American Revolution. One reason the colonists’ declaration of independence was understandable was because after an extended period of salutary neglect, the British started imposing laws on the colonies. Another reason was that the British violated colonists’ rights by implementing the Proclamation of 1763. A third and final reason the colonies were correct in breaking away from Great Britain was that although the colonists were not represented in British Parliament, Great Britain still taxed them. The thirteen British colonies were absolutely justified in seceding from Great Britain because the British started to enforce laws after a long period of salutary neglect, they violated the colonists’ rights by passing the Proclamation of 1763, and the colonies were required to pay taxes even though they were not represented in Parliament.
During the Revolutionary War, the Americans fought over half the war without a federal government. That was recognized, and some of the problems were fixed by 1777 with the Articles of Confederation. Because there was no federal government, the Continental Congress had to take on an enormous amount of responsibilities. They had to create the Continental Army, print money, manage trade and most of all they had to analyze and deal with the national debt. The Continental Congress were completing these tasks and did not have approval from the
After enduring “a long train of abuses and usurpations” the colonists decided to declare themselves free of British rule (para 2). Jefferson writes that given their “unalienable rights . . . Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”, “it is the Right of the People . . . to institute new Government”, one that will fairly represent them, to reestablish order (para 2). The Declaration of Independence does not seek to convince or even encourage action; rather, it aims to declare. There are no mistaking Jefferson’s words. The Colonists are tired of the mistreatment and they are effectively severing all “Allegiance to the British Crown, and . . . political connection” (para 23). The audience of The Declaration of Independence, the world, is specifically addressed twice. The first
Thomas Paine was one of the great supporters of the American Revolution. He was a journalist and used his pen and paper to urge the public to break free from Great Brittan. He wrote anonymously, yet addressed the public as he spoke out about his beliefs. The first pamphlet he published, influencing independence from Brittan, was called Common Sense
In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson appeals to patriotism. Jefferson ensures this by persuading the colonists to become self-governing. He tries to let all of the people of the New World understand that they have protested and defended themselves against the British for all of the corrupt acts the British have committed upon the colonists. Jefferson’s tone in the Declaration of Independence portrays how tiresome he has grown of the British rule after all of the deception towards Americans. Included within the idea of patriotism, is the idea of loyalty to the fundamental values and principles underlying American democracy. Thomas Paine also provides patriotism to get advocates for the movement to separate from the British forces. Correspondingly, Paine persuades Americans that they will prosper in numerous areas without the control of the British saying, “Is the power who is jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No to this question is an independent, for independency means no more, than, whether we shall make our own laws…” (Paine). Paine uses a demanding tone to convince Americans that if they should accept the ties with Britain, it will bring ruin and distress to the
The Declaration has helped in many debates ranging from the banning of slavery to the acknowledgement of newly independent nations (Tsesis 3). In 1774 delegates from twelve of the thirteen colonies gather in Philadelphia to meet at the First Continental Congress to decide what to do about the British laws. Most people wanted to fix the relationship with England instead of gaining their independence. The British leaders would have most likely been up to the idea of negotiating, but instead the American Revolution was started. Thomas Jefferson was not present at the first Congress. A month after the Second Continental Congress started, Jefferson took his seat as a delegate from Virginia. John Adams stated that Jefferson had “a reputation for literature, science, and a happy talent for composition” (8). Jefferson noticed that many people were not yet open to the idea of independence, they were still trying to stay with England. During this time Common Sense came out and paved the way for the Declaration of Independence. After Common Sense came out, Richard Price published a pamphlet which condemned parliamentary infringement on the colonists’ rights. This pamphlet became very popular and was in circulation in England and America. On April 12,1776 North Carolina became the first colony “to concur with the delegates of the other colonies in declaring Independency” (10). On May 15 Congress published a preamble which explained that the Americans planned to be removed from the rule of England. This was the first step to a real declaration of independence because it finally showed that America decided to gain their independence.
Paine had not entertained the idea of independence from Britain when he arrived in America. He thought it was “a kind of treason” to break away from Britain. It was not until the Battle of Lexington in 1775 that he considered “the compact between Britain and America to be broken” (Claeys). This idea of a broken compact allowed Thomas Paine to write a political pamphlet.
When declaring independence, the bulk of the people thought that would be “…to burn the last bridge, to become traders in the eyes of the mother country.” (Garraty 110). John Dickinson had stated, “ ‘Torn from the body to which we are united by religion, liberty, laws, affections, relation, language and commerce, we must bleed at every vein.’ “ (Garraty 110). The people were afraid to break away, they pondered “ ‘Where shall we find another Britain.’ “ (Garraty 110). Eventually independence was inevitable. There was a great mistrust towards both Parliament and George III when the colonists heard that the British were sending hired Hessian soldiers to fight against them in the revolution. The pamphlet written by Thomas Paine entitled Common Sense called boldly for complete independence. This reflected his opinions on George III, calling him a brute, and also attacking the idea of monarchy itself. “Virtually everyone in the colonies must have read Common Sense or heard it explained and discussed.” (Garraty 110). John Adams dismissed it as something he had said time and time again. “The tone of the debate changed sharply as Paine’s slashing attack took effect.” (Garraty 110). A committee was appointed by Congress, consisting of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and many more. “The committee had asked Jefferson to prepare a draft” that would soon become known as the Declaration of Independence. (Garraty 112). It consisted of two parts: an introduction which justified the abstract right of any people to revolt and described the theory on which the Americans based their creation of a new, republican government, and a second part that made George III, rather than Parliament, look like the ‘bad guy’. “…The king was the personification of the nation against which the nation was rebelling.” (Garraty 112). “The Declaration was intended to influence foreign opinion, but it had little immediate effect outside Great Britain, and there it only made people angry and determined to subdue the rebels.