The Declaration of Independence

Historical Context Born on April 13, 1743 in Virginia to a wealthy family. He was very well educated. Attended The College of William & Mary. Served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Eloquent correspondent, but not good public speakerEloquent correspondent, but not good public speaker Known as the "silent member" of the CongressKnown as the "silent member" of the Congress Was unanimously chosen by the Committee of Five to prepare a draft of the Declaration alone. Thomas Jefferson

Jefferson’s Viewpoint on Issues of His Time He believed in separation of church and state He belied that colonists had the right to overthrow a tyrannical government. Letter to Danbury Baptists

Written by Thomas Paine Colonists did not owe loyalty to England’s King George III or any other monarch for that matter.

Nothing received from England nothing owed to England. Harmful to America to stay under British rule. George Washington “working a powerful change in the minds of men.”

Halifax Resolves North Carolina April 12, 1776 First call for independence during the Revolution

Virginia Declaration of Rights George Mason Rights of citizens similar to English Bill of Rights (1689). First modern Constitutional protection of individual rights of North America.

Intended Audience The audience were those wanting independence from England. International audience

The Declaration of Independence National Archives

Working with the Declaration