1. Declaration of Independence
Unit 2

2. Declaration of Independence
More than a year after the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia
Declaration of Independence listed various reasons as to the colonists wanted to separate from England
Declaration of Independence also announced the existence of a new nation

3. Declaration of Indepence
Written by Thomas Jefferson and a committee from the Second Continental Congress (1775)
June 7, 1776 – Richard Henry Lee of Virginia stated “These united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states.”
July 4, 1776 – The Declaration of Independence was signed and adopted

4. Declaration of Independence
Declaration can be divided into 3 parts: 1. a statement of principle concerning the rights of a man and why the revolution was necessary 2. a list of specific grievances against England’s King George III 3. a formal claim of independence
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

5. The Declaration is Read
July 8, 1776 – Liberty Bell is rung in Philadelphia to call the people for the 1st reading of the Declaration
Signers names of the Declaration were not made public for 6 months due to safety
Once revealed, many were seized by the British, thrown into prison and their homes were burned.

6. The Declaration is Read
After Congress adopted the Declaration, John Dunlap printed copies of it
24 are known to exist (two are located in the Library of Congress)
Original Declaration was exhibited for several years until light and air threatened its existence
1921 – Transferred to Library of Congress
1952 – Placed in the National Archives building in Washington, D.C

7. The Declaration is Read
Declaration is no a constitution or form of government
Served to set up principles for a new government
These principles were used in writing the United States Constitution
Important fact was not declaring our independence but creating our principles and beliefs
All men are created equal
All men have rights
Governments are subject to the will of the people
Declaration of Independence Video