Binder Page _____ Name ______Period ______Video- Liberty’s Kids: “The First Fourth of July” Date ______
1. Why does George Washington believe that they need an official Declaration of Independence? It will gain more “popular support.” In other words, it will get more Americans to join them.
2. Where do Hessians come from? Germany
3. What word does James use to describe the people who catch them? Tories (“Watch out, Henri! They’re Tories!”)
4. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia wants the Second Continental Congress to vote on three resolutions: 1. That the colonies are in fact Free and Independent states, and absolved of all allegiance to Great Britain. 2. That the independent states seek to form foreign Alliances (like with France, for example) 3. That the independent states establish a plan of confederation (to make a new government)
What does Sarah think of Lee’s resolutions? They are “treason.” In other words, he is a traitor to his king and country.
5. What does Mr. John Dickinson think of Independence? Why? It is dangerous and impossible. Dangerous, because the Indians on the frontier will start killing people and maybe another country will take us over without the protection of Britain; Impossible, because the middle colonies (New York and Pennsylvania) do not support it.
6. Who gets chosen to write the Declaration? Thomas Jefferson
7. Who are the group that get a ride from James and Sarah? The New Jersey delegation (who are just elected and have come to vote for independence. Where is Caesar Rodney of Delaware? Why was he not at the meeting of Congress? He is deathly ill and at his home in Delaware. How does his vote change things? He will bring Delaware’s vote to independence, making it unanimous.
8. What day does John Adams think will be the most revered day in American history? (It’s the day the vote took place.) July 2nd What happens after the vote for Independence? They have to edit and revise the draft of the Declaration.
9. What day does the signing take place? July 4th, 1776 Who signs the Declaration first? John Hancock What does Ben Franklin say as he signs the Declaration? “We must all hang together, or most assuredly, we will all hang separately.”
10. What happens on July 9, 1776? The Continental Army hears the Declaration read.
11. What does James say that the Declaration of Independence will make it easier to do? To get more popular support (like Washington said) And to get France’s help in the war.
12. What happens to the statue of the king? It gets torn down. According to legend it is made into bullets.