Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like T/F: The American War for Independence was a revolution fundamentally different from the French and Russian Revolutions., T/F: Americans referred to the Coercive Acts as the "Intolerable Acts"., T/F: The First Continental Congress was convened to declare the colonies' independence from Great Britain. and more. The Declaration of Independence is the foundational document of the United States of America. Written primarily by Thomas Jefferson, it explains why the Thirteen Colonies decided to separate from Great Britain during the American Revolution (1765-1789). The Declaration of Independence, 1776 By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence. Numerous forms of communication—newspapers, almanacs, pamphlets, and other official documents—would need a stamp to circulate, so the tax imposed a heavy cost on the well-read colonists. America's independence signaled a fundamental change: once-dependent British colonies became independent states that could make war, create alliances with foreign nations, and engage freely in commerce. A long struggle took place until the introduction of the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Thus, the United States of America appeared, and Great Britain officially recognized the colonies’ independence. The essay reveals the theme of the main important events about struggle between nations for colonists’ independence and peace over the earth. In the Declaration of Independence, they included their grievances against the British king by stating how he forbidden the colonists of laws, placed troops, imposed restrictions against them, provided no protection. Why does Jefferson begin with points about human rights before discussing the colonists' specific grievances? It describes why the colonists wanted to be free from Britain and what led to their decision to fight against British rule. What forces led the men and women in the 13 different colonies to set aside their differences and unanimously declare their independence? Much happened between the years of 1763 and 1776. What evidence suggests that the American colonies' declaration of independence against Great Britain was bound to happen decades before it did? Select one: a. The colonies had developed their own economic structures independently from Great Britain. b. The writings of the European Enlightenment philosophers were especially popular in the In this informational text, the author discusses the events that led up to the Revolutionary War and the eventual signing of the Declaration of Independence. As you read, take notes on the conflict between the Thirteen Colonies and Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence: How Did it Happen? The Revolution Begins In the early 1770s, more and more colonists became convinced that Parliament intended to take away their freedom. In fact, the Americans saw a pattern of increasing oppression and corruption happening all around the world. Parliament was determined to bring its unruly American subjects to heel. Britain began to prepare Timeline of significant events related to the Declaration of Independence. The document proclaimed that the 13 original colonies of America were “free and independent states.” It was the last of a series of steps that led the colonies to final separation from Great Britain. What actions has King George taken against the American people? The colonies officially dissolve ties with Great Britain. What happens in the concluding paragraph of the Declaration of Independence? They would be found guilty of treason and would hang in the gallows. What would happen if the signers were brought before a royal court? Key events included the Intolerable Acts of 1774, which led to the First Continental Congress and boycotts of British goods. The April 1775 battles at Lexington and Concord marked the From the early 1600s through the mid-1700s, British settlers established thirteen colonies along North America’s eastern seaboard. These settlers were driven by the promise of religious freedom, economic opportunity, and political liberty. Before the United States of America formed in 1776, the 13 colonies were ruled by Great Britain. After defeating France in the French and Indian War in 1763, the British government began imposing new taxes on the American colonies to recoup the expenses of the war. Note: The following text is a transcription of the Stone Engraving of the parchment Declaration of Independence (the document on display in the Rotunda at the National Archives Museum.) The spelling and punctuation reflects the original. He described the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as "these fragile objects which bear so great a weight of meaning to our people." The story of the Declaration of Independence as a document can only be a part of the larger history, a history still unfolding, a "weight of meaning" constantly, challenged, strengthened, and redefined. But as the war continued, and Britain called out massive armed forces to enforce its will, more and more colonists came to accept that asserting independence was the only way forward.
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