The Declaration of Independence “We hold these truths to be self evident; that all men are created equal…”

Road to the Independence Following England’s victory in 1763 in the French & Indian War, the relationship changed between America and Great Britain. England’s parliament began taxing the colonists to pay for the debt from the war. The parliament would not allow colonists to move beyond the Appalachian Mountains to avoid conflict with Native Americans.

Road to the Independence As tensions rose between the colonists and England, the parliament sent soldiers to patrol American cities. Events such as the Boston Massacre angered the colonists. The Intolerable Acts which punished Massachusetts for the Boston Tea Party seemed to be the last straw for the colonies. Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, caused many colonists to desire political freedom from England. In June of 1776 the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia and asked a committee to write a declaration of independence from England.

PURPOSE It announced to Great Britain, and the rest of the world, that the American colonies had to cut their former political ties. It told why Congress thought this drastic step was necessary. It declared that the American colonies were free and would govern themselves. Of course, they would have to fight the Revolutionary War for this to become a reality. It was written to persuade colonists still loyal to the King of England to join the fight for independence.

Written By: Adopted On: July 4, 1776 Thomas Jefferson Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He wrote every evening for 17 days. After he was done the committee made some changes to the document, like removing the reference to abolishing slavery. Adopted On: July 4, 1776

What It WAS A justification for a revolution Reasons for the break with England What it WAS NOT A government! Did not set up any form of government

Based on the ideas of John Locke Key ideas: Social Contract Theory Natural Rights Consent of the Governed People have the right of revolution

STRUCTURE Section 1-Introduction: Section 2-Beliefs: “When In the Course of Human Events” explained the purpose for the document Section 2-Beliefs: Justified the revolution Natural rights Social Contract theory consent of the governed right to revolution Section 3-Grievances (Complaints): Things the King has done wrong Section 4-Conclusion: We Are Free and Independent

INDEPENDENCE HALL, PHILADELPHIA

Understanding the Declaration of Independence