THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Written by Thomas Jefferson

THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Written by Thomas Jefferson, member of the Committee of Five, at the request of the Second Continental Congress, Summer 1776 Battles had already begun between the Americans and the British Americans tried very hard to maintain their ties with the British until they felt they had no choice but to separate The document itself has 5 main sections, with each section serving a specific purpose It’s like a really well-written persuasive essay!

PREAMBLE – This part sets the purpose for the rest. “Preamble” means Introductio n Translation: Sometimes one group of people decide to split off from another group, and to become an independent country, as the laws of Nature and of God say that they can. But when this happens, if they want other people to respect them, they should explain why they are splitting off.

STATEMENT OF BELIEFS – Explains how the colonists felt about the role of government and their rights Statement of Beliefs John Locke’s natural rights AND social contract are key to this part of the Declaration. Jefferson was very inspired by his and other Enlightenment thinkers’ writings.

LIST OF COMPLAINTS – These are all of the things colonists blamed the king that were doing to harm Americans. 27 complaints in all – which build to the accusation that the king is a Tyrant, unfit to rule them

STATEMENT OF PRIOR ATTEMPTS TO REDRESS GRIEVANCES – Explains the steps colonists have taken to try to change the situation short of war and independence 1 “Prior 2 Attempts to 3 Redress 4 Grievances ” means steps that have already been taken to resolve the complaints Translation: When we ask him to stop, he just keeps on doing more bad things. We have tried to talk to the other people who live in England. We asked them to stop these crimes against us, but they have acted as though they were deaf. So we have to separate from England, and they will be our enemies during the war, though we hope they'll be our friends when there is peace.

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE – The official and formal statement of separation from England Declaration of Independence After stating all of the reasons why, the authors finally state that our connection to England is ended. Translation: So we think that God will see that we are doing the right thing when we declare that the United States are now completely independent of the King of England. We have no more political connection to England at all. And as independent states, we say that each state has the right to make war, to make peace, to make alliances with other countries, trade with other countries, and do everything else that countries do. And we promise that we will fight for our independence with the help of God - we promise by our lives, our property, and our sacred honor.