How did the Declaration of Independence shape early American identity?

English Colonies Original 13 American colonies were founded over 125 years by English Settlers First colony, Virginia, founded in 1607 Last colony, Georgia, founded in 1733 Each colony established by a charter – a written grant from the King of England Different charters led to different forms of government The 13 American Colonies

The Different Colonial Governments Royal Colonies Direct control from King King appointed governor to serve as executive branch King appointed members of upper legislature while property owners elected members of lower legislature All laws approved of by governor and king Proprietary Colonies King granted land to an owner Governor appointed by proprietor Legislature same as royal charter Charters Control given to colonists Property owners elected governor and members of legislature Different Colonial Governments

Political Independence for a Time Between 1607 and 1760, the 13 colonies enjoyed a large measure of self-government King 3,000 miles away in London Legislatures had power over governor because they determined his pay By mid-1700s, the government between Britain and the colonies resembled Federalism London was responsible for larger policies like military defense, foreign affairs, and common currency Colonies were allowed self-rule otherwise

King George III Threatens Self-Rule King George III takes power in 1760 King George III exercises strict control of the colonies: 1764 Sugar Act – taxes of sugar 1765 Stamp Act – taxes placed on paper products 1767 Townsend Acts – enforce trade regulations and increase taxes to raise salaries of officials loyal to Britain 1773 Tea Act – tax on tea 1774 Intolerable Acts – effectively eliminated self government in Massachusetts King George III

First Continental Congress On September 5, 1774, delegates from every colony but Georgia meet in Philadelphia Delegates discuss action against Britain Delegates create Declaration of Rights to send to King George III and protest his policies Delegates also convince all colonies to refuse trade with England until policies are changed Declaration of Rights and lack of trade have no impact on King Artist representation of First Continental Congress

Second Continental Congresses On April 19, 1775, The American Revolution begins in Lexington and Concord after British troops were ordered to attack colonists On May 10, 1775, delegates from all 13 colonies meet in Philadelphia to coordinate efforts between the 13 colonies For five years between 1776 and 1781, the Second Continental Congress would act as the first national government Artist representation of Second Continental Congress

Declaration of Independence After a year of fighting the revolution, the Second Continental Congress proposed a complete break from Britain On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence Since then, it has been a symbol synonymous with American identity, asserting our independence as a nation

How did the Declaration of Independence shape early American identity?

Debrief Declaration of Independence is among first affirmations of American Identity: Establishing Justice Ensuring Domestic Peace Providing Common Defense Promoting General Welfare Securing Freedom/Liberty Promoting Civic Participation