Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence was an important part in American history. It was written to show a new theory of government, reasons why we were separating from England, and a formal declaration of war. It finally gave the 13 colonies freedom from England's control. The man responsible for writing the Declaration was Thomas Jefferson. He wrote the Declaration between June 11, 1776 and June 28, 1776. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams revised what Jefferson had written to finalize the Declaration. On July 4, 1776 Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence and was signed by a number of congress members.

The Declaration of Independence served three major purposes. The first included the reasons for separation. Among the reasons for separation were statements about the king, George III. It was said that he was a harsh and evil king and that the colonists shouldn't have to be under his rule. It also said that the citizens were patient, submissive, and long-suffering people. These statements were made to win public support for the Declaration.

The second major purpose included a plan for a new theory of government. In this section of the Declaration, Jefferson stated the basic principles of democracy. They were, "all men are created equal; they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights; among these rights are: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The purpose of this new government was to secure these rights.

The third major purpose for the Declaration of Independence was to present a formal declaration of war. This basically stated that, war did exist. If the Patriots failed to win independence, the leaders of the revolution could be judged guilty of treason against the British Crown and executed.

The result of the Declaration of Independence was that the colonists had gained their freedom. They had freedom of religion and had a better government. Look at the world today and see what it has accomplished. Women and African Americans now have the same rights as white men. In the early 1700's this would have not even been a figment of anyone's imagination, and now it is true.