Declaration Of Independence

One of the most important pieces of American writing is the Declaration of Independence. It seems critical for all American citizens to know the meaning of this Declaration and its history. Over the past couple of weeks, I have learned a good amount of information on the Declaration of Independence. I have learned the essential facts on this Declaration and also, its influential purpose.

On July 2, 1776, the colonies voted for independence (except for New York which abstained). But the Declaration of Independence was completed and signed on July 4, 1776, and was then adopted by the Second Continental Congress. It was put together mainly by Thomas Jefferson, with the help of Benjamin Franklin and John Adams. This Declaration marked the official separation between the 13 colonies and Great Britain. The formal declaration of independence established the new American revolutionary government and officially declared war against Great Britain. The primary purpose of the declaration was to assist the Second Continental Congress in obtaining aid form foreign countries. It also outlines the history of abuses the colonists had suffered under British rule since the end of the French and Indian War in 1763.

The beginning of the Declaration opens up with a preamble, stating why the colonies have overthrown their ruler and chosen to be a separate nation in the world. It also describes that the people should establish a government that is designed to protect the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Governments are rarely overthrown, but it was a long history of abuses that led the colonists to overthrow the government. The King of Great Britain, George III, was guilty of 27 abuses, and interfered with the colonists' right to self-government. The colonial governments tried to reach peaceful reconciliations, but were just continually ignored. So in a way, they had no choice but to declare independence from Great Britain.

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