Declaration of Independence
Definition
The Declaration of Independence is a document adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4th, 1776. It announced that thirteen American colonies were no longer under British rule and were now independent states.
Analogy
Imagine you're breaking up with someone who's been controlling and unfair. You write them a letter explaining why you're leaving - that's what America did with Britain through the Declaration of Independence.
Related terms
Thomas Jefferson: He was one of America's Founding Fathers and is credited as being the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.
American Revolution: A war fought from 1775-1783 between Great Britain and thirteen British colonies in North America which led to American independence.
Natural Rights Philosophy: This philosophy influenced Thomas Jefferson when he wrote "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" into the Declaration; it argues that individuals have inherent rights given by nature or God.
"Declaration of Independence" appears in:
Study guides (5)
Practice Questions (18)
- Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
- Why was it ironic that the phrase "all men are created equal" was included in the Declaration of Independence?
- What was the major philosophy foundation of the Declaration of Independence?
- What connects the colonial era's Mayflower Compact, the Revolutionary War's Declaration of Independence, and Civil War's Emancipation Proclamation?
- What guiding principle underlies both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution?
- Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?
- Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
- Which colonial leader is primarily credited with drafting the Declaration of Independence?
- Who is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
- What major impact did the Declaration of Independence have during the American Revolution?
- What conflict led to the creation of the Declaration of Independence?
- Who was the political leader primarily responsible for drafting and promoting the Declaration of Independence?
- Who was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence?
- Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
- Who was responsible for drafting much of the language found in the Declaration of Independence?
- Who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
- Who authored the Declaration of Independence?
- Who is considered the primary author of the Declaration of Independence?
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