| A | B |
|---|
| independence | freedom from being ruled by someone else |
| Thomas Paine | author of a pamphlet, "Common Sense"; argued that the American colonies should become independent |
| "Common Sense" | Pamphlet written by Thomas Paine; convinced many colonists that the colonies should be independent from Britain |
| declaration | a statement that declares, or announces, an idea |
| Thomas Jefferson | wrote most of the Declaration of Independence; delegate to the Second Continental Congress |
| Declaration of Independence | declared that people have the right to live, the right to be free, and the right to seek happiness; stated that King George III tried to take away rights and force taxes on the colonies; known as our nation's birth certificate |
| rights | freedoms that are protected by a government's laws |
| John Hancock | President of the Second Continental Congress who signed his name to the Declaration of Independence in large letters |
| treason | the crime of fighting against one's own government; punishable by hanging |
| July 4, 1776 | date the Second Continental Congress voted to approve (officially accept) the Declaration of Independence |
| Abigail Adams | wife of John Adams who wrote to her husband that Congress should recognize the equal rights of women |
| Patriots | colonists who wanted independence |
