1. The Declaration of Independence

2. The Declaration of Independence is one of our nation’s most important documents.
Before the Declaration, there were 13 colonies in America that were controlled by Great Britain.
After the Declaration, each of the 13 colonies considered themselves to be separate, independent states, and they fought the American Revolution to make it so.

3. Colony? State? What’s the difference?
Colony: A defined area that is controlled by a “mother” country. The colony usually exists to help the mother country profit.
Independent State: A defined area that is self-governed, and is independent from the governments of other independent states

4. Resolution of Independence (Lee Resolution)
July 2nd, 1776
This statement preceded the Declaration of Independence. It was written by Richard Henry Lee of VA.

5. Examine the text of the Lee Resolution
Examine the text of the Lee Resolution. You should notice three distinct parts. Your teacher should provide you with the text.

6. Lee Resolution, Part 1
The first section states that the 13 colonies should be free states and no longer having any connection with Great Britain or King George.

7. Lee Resolution, Part 2
The second part of the Lee Resolution states that the new states should begin forming new alliances with other nations and with each other.

8. Lee Resolution, Part 3
The third part of the Lee Resolution states that the thirteen new states should come together and make a plan to support each other.

9. The Declaration of Independence
July 4th, 1776
Congress wanted to make a formal document based on the Lee Resolution. That document is the Declaration of Independence.

10. Authorship of the Declaration of Independence
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration
His original document contained language critical of slavery
The document was edited by other delegates
The Declaration was accepted on July 4, 1776 without references to slavery

11. Parts of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is often divided into five sections by historians. They are…
1. Introduction
2. Preamble
3. Indictment
4. Denunciation
5. Conclusion

12. Parts of the Declaration of Independence
1. Introduction: Explains natural law and that people have the right to reasonable independence

13. Parts of the Declaration of Independence
2. Preamble: Explains the idea that rebellion is justified when a government violates natural rights

14. Parts of the Declaration of Independence
3. Indictment: Lists the grievances that the colonists had against King George. In short, a list of Great Britain’s crimes against the colonies and the colonists.

15. Parts of the Declaration of Independence
4. Denunciation: Explains that the listed violations were grave enough to justify the revolution

16. Parts of the Declaration of Independence
5. Conclusion: States that the conditions exist where a group of people have the right to change their government. Therefore the colonists would cut all political ties with the British Crown.
Note: This section includes the Lee Resolution that was passed by Congress on July 2nd as the Resolution of Independence

17. Declaration of Independence
Assignment
1. Look at the Declaration of Independence and you will find that the indictment includes over twenty charges against King George and Great Britain.
2. For each, re-write the charge in your own words (groups of 3).
3. Lastly, as an individual, you will make a small poster explaining one of the indictments. The poster will be 8.5x11 and have the indictment and one picture. Color is required.