Declaration of Independence
Document declaring the thirteen American Colonies independent from Great Britain. Written by Thomas Jefferson and declared in effect by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Many prominent Americans signed it, including John Hancock, John Adams, and Samuel Adams. However, Great Britain's response was to continue the war. There are four parts of the declaration; the Preamble, A Declaration of Rights, A Bill of Indictment, and A Statement of Independence.
The Preamble explains why the Continental Congress made the Declaration, saying that when a country becomes independent, they should be able to state their reasons why. A Declaration of Rights states the equality of men and the famous quote "Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness." The Life part means people have the right to protect themselves against physical attack. The Liberty means the people have a right to criticize the government. Pursuit of Happiness means the right to own property and defend it. A Bill of Indictment states the abuse King George III took upon the colonists, such as the laws he made the colonists follow. It also states the other unjust things the King did to them. A Statement of Independence wraps up the whole Declaration, asking the King to correct the laws. At the end, it states their independence from Britain.
The Preamble explains why the Continental Congress made the Declaration, saying that when a country becomes independent, they should be able to state their reasons why. A Declaration of Rights states the equality of men and the famous quote "Life, Liberty, and Pursuit of Happiness." The Life part means people have the right to protect themselves against physical attack. The Liberty means the people have a right to criticize the government. Pursuit of Happiness means the right to own property and defend it. A Bill of Indictment states the abuse King George III took upon the colonists, such as the laws he made the colonists follow. It also states the other unjust things the King did to them. A Statement of Independence wraps up the whole Declaration, asking the King to correct the laws. At the end, it states their independence from Britain.