Lesson 5: What ideas did the Founders use in the Declaration of Independence?

Terms

American Revolution  The war fought by the American colonists to gain their independence from Great Britain. It took place from 1775 to 1781.

First Continental Congress  The body of colonial delegates who convened to represent the interests of the colonists and protest British rule. The First Continental Congress met in 1774 and drafted a Declaration of Rights.

Loyalists  Americans who supported Great Britain during the Revolution.

Patriots  Those Americans who supported the war for independence against Great Britain.

principle  A rule or standard of behavior.

Second Continental Congress  The body of delegates representing the colonies that met in 1775 shortly after the start of the Revolutionary War. They organized the Continental Army and appointed a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence.