Chapter 5 L3: Declaring Independence

The main purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to —

• let everyone know about all the ways the British king and Parliament had mistreated the colonists

• explain why the colonists had a right to become independent and announce the creation of a new country

• explain that British treatment of the colonists was not unreasonable

• describe how a government should be organized and run

Why did the Second Continental Congress create the Continental army in preparation for a possible war with Great Britain?

• George Washington told Congress that he would not lead the militias because they were untrained.

• State militias were unpaid volunteers, so there was no guarantee there would be enough men to fight.

• Colonists refused to fight against the British unless they were paid.

• Some state militias were unwilling to fight against the British.

Why did Thomas Paine’s pamphlet Common Sense convince many colonists that it was time for independence?

• He was an important government official, so people tended to base their opinions on what he thought and said.

• He explained the reasons for independence in plain language that common people could understand.

• He listed all of the things King George III and Parliament had done that were illegal.

• He gave examples of other countries that had revolted against their governments.

With what words does the Declaration of Independence announce the name of the new country?

• Our independent country will be named the United States of America.

• We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America …

• These thirteen colonies will henceforth be known as the United States of America.

• This United States of America will offer life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness …

Match the vocabulary word with the definition below:

A petition that said the colonists wanted the king to help settle their conflict with Parliament.

• Continental army

• George Washington

• Olive Branch Petition

• King George III

Why did the Second Continental Congress send the Olive Branch Petition?

• to persuade British troops to leave Boston

• to encourage colonists to join the army

• to convince Parliament to repeal the Stamp Act

• to ask King George to make peace with the colonies