1. How did the Declaration of Independence shape early American identity?

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. How did the Declaration of Independence shape early American identity?

10. 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