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Declaration of Independence

Explore the historic document signed on July 4, 1776, by Thomas Jefferson and a committee including Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Influenced by John Locke's democratic philosophy, it asserts all men are created equal with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Addressing grievances against England, it emphasizes the right to alter or abolish a government if it fails to protect the people's rights. Learn about the risks faced by those championing independence, the rights bestowed upon the new nation, and the far-reaching effects of the Declaration on shaping democratic principles and inspiring revolutions worldwide.

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Declaration of Independence

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  1. Declaration of Independence

  2. Author • Thomas Jefferson • Committee included Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston • July 4, 1776 • Influenced by John Locke

  3. Democratic Philosophy • All men are created equal • Inalienable rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness • Government by the consent of the governed • The right to alter or abolish a government if it does not protect the people’s rights

  4. Grievances or Complaints • To prove England had not provided a good government • “HE” • Examples:

  5. What legal means of protest had the Americans done to try to fix the problems? • Letters • Petitions • Boycotts • Demonstrations

  6. Risks? • Lives • Property • Honor

  7. Rights of new nation • Declare war • Conclude peace • Contract alliances • Establish trade • …anything any other nation can do

  8. Declaration of Independence states the Americans’… • Democratic Philosophy • What we believe a good government should be (protect natural rights; consent of governed) • Grievances and Complaints • Proof that England did not provide us with a good government • Statement of Independence • Rights of the new United States

  9. Effects of the Declaration • New ideas – government based on democracy; right to revolution, no hereditary class distinctions, no more divine right of kings • Goals of Revolution: INDEPENDENCE ! • Goals for US government – due process of law, issues of equality: abolition of slavery, civil rights movement, democratic reforms – voting rights • Inspired others • French Revolution (1789), Latin American revolutions (early 1800’s), post – WWII independence movements in Asia & Africa (1945 – 1960’s); China (1989 – Tiananmen Square)

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