1. Declaration of Independence

2. Document issued by the Continental Congress on July 4,1776 Purpose: notifies the King that the colonies are officially separating from Britain.

3. Includes 4 parts:

4. Preamble: states why the declaration was written
Preamble: states why the declaration was written. Explains to the world why the colonist were forced to separate from Great Britain.

5. II. Their rights: List the basic rights that colonist are guaranteed and can’t be taken away. “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness”

6. III. List of Grievances: details the colonist complaints against the British government and King George III particularly. (27 total) “ For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:” “For imposing taxes on us without our consent:”

7. IV. The Resolution for Independence: states that the colonies are now “Free and Independent States”