LAD #3 Declaration of Independence (summary)

The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson and accepted by the Second Continental Congress, states the reasons for why the American colonists desired independence from Britain in 1776. The preamble of the declaration explains why it was necessary for the colonists to rid themselves of Britain’s tyrannical government and begin their own self-rule. In the beginning of the declaration, Jefferson states that all men are created equal, and have certain unalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Furthermore, the document states that if the ruling government becomes destructive to these natural rights, then it is the duty of the people to abolish it. As the preamble comes to a close, Jefferson writes that the Crown has demonstrated absolute tyranny over the American colonies and betrayed the colonists’ natural rights.

The beef of the declaration states the many grievances Britain committed, disregarding the colonists natural rights. Specific abuses that Britain did are as follows. Britain dissolved the colonists’ self-government. Moreover, Britain taxed the colonists and limited their trade without giving the colonists any say or representation. This is one reason the colonists made the slogan, “No taxation without representation,” during the Revolutionary War. Britain also, by using the Quartering Act, forced colonists to provide quartering for soldiers, even in times when there was no war going on. Also, Britain deprived them of the right of trial by jury. Nearing the end of these grievances, Jefferson states that Britain has destroyed the lives of the colonists.

In the conclusion of the declaration, it is first mentioned that the colonists have tried to show Britain its wrongs by petition. However, continually Britain ignored the colonies and rejected their petitions. The declaration then states that the colonies are now the United States and are free and independent states. Therefore, they obtain power which all independent states have, including the rights to levy war, contract alliances, and establish commerce.