The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, marked the American colonies' break from British rule and established principles of liberty and equality. Drafted by the Committee of Five, including Thomas Jefferson, it laid the philosophical groundwork for self-governance and inspired global democratic movements. Its legacy continues to influence social justice and American political thought.
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The Declaration of Independence marked the unanimous decision of the thirteen American colonies to sever political ties with Great Britain and assert their right to self-governance
Increasing British Control and Taxation
The Declaration of Independence was a response to years of British control and taxation, such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts, which the colonists protested under the rallying cry of "no taxation without representation."
Articulation of the Colonies' Frustrations and Aspirations
The Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, laid the groundwork for international recognition and support by articulating the colonies' frustrations and aspirations in the Declaration of Independence
The task of drafting the Declaration of Independence was entrusted to the Committee of Five, which included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston
Preamble
The preamble of the Declaration of Independence establishes the philosophical basis for independence, invoking the Enlightenment principle that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed
Statement of Principles
The Declaration of Independence asserts the principles of equality and unalienable rights, including "Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness."
List of Grievances
The Declaration of Independence provides a detailed justification for the colonies' break from British rule by listing grievances against King George III, citing examples of tyranny and oppression
The Declaration of Independence introduced the revolutionary concept that a government's legitimacy comes from the will of the people, influencing democratic movements and the formation of republics around the world
The Declaration of Independence's principles of liberty and equality have had a lasting impact, providing a moral foundation for social justice movements and serving as a cornerstone of American political thought
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The ______ of ______ was officially adopted by the ______ ______ ______ on ______ ______, ______.
Declaration
Independence
Second Continental Congress
July 4
1776
01
The document declared the ______ ______'s unanimous decision to break away from ______ ______, citing the right to ______-______.
thirteen American colonies
Great Britain
self
governance
02
Primary author of Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson, influenced by Virginia Declaration of Rights and Enlightenment ideas.
