1. Why did America declare independence?

2. Colonial America:
The British policy of salutary neglect contributed to colonies developing independent practices.

3. House of Burgesses meeting (1619)
The Mayflower Compact and the House of Burgesses were colonial steps toward self-government.
House of Burgesses meeting (1619)
Signing the
Mayflower Compact (1620)

4. King George III of England
British policies, such as mercantilism (which placed restrictions on trading), were opposed by the colonists.
King George III of England

5. Battle of Lexington and
Protests against British policies led to colonies demanding independence.
Boston Massacre;
March 5, 1770
Boston Tea Party;
December 16, 1773
Battle of Lexington and
Concord; April 19, 1775 

6. Common Sense persuaded colonists to support independence.
Thomas Paine

7. Declaration of Independence:
Stated that the British deprived Americans of their natural rights and government’s purpose is to protect those rights.
Thomas Jefferson,
Author of the
Declaration
of Independence 

8. Signing the Declaration of Independence; July 4, 1776
Based on John Locke’s social contract theory, it stated that people should revolt against a government that does not protect their rights.
John Locke
Signing the Declaration of Independence; July 4, 1776