​Why is the 4th July 1776 so significant?

1. What is happening in this picture?


2. How did the Declaration of Independence challenge previous ideas?

• Study pages 178 & 179
• Draw a little illustration to sum each of the points in the 'What did the Declaration say?' box
• Now look at the 'Why was this a turning point?' box. Discuss with your partner why these ideas were so shocking at the time

3. Why were these ideas so explosive?

• Write a list of consequences following the Declaration of Independence.
• Some of them are described on page 179 - look for them!
• Others you will have to come up with yourself - Think: How would people in other countries react to it?

4. How can you change things for the better?

• Over the next few weeks you will be studying how people changed things in France and in Britain in the late 18th Century and 19th Century.
• You are going to view these events through the eyes of one of these two British people: James Fury and Sarah Patience. Read the speech bubbles on page 181 and decide who you will be: James, who supports violent means, or Sarah, who favours a peaceful approach. Your partner will have to be the other person.
• You will eventually write a speech as one of these people.
• Summarize the points that James or Sarah makes in your book and add any of your own points.