Questions and Answers
What is the Declaration of Independence?
It is a document that declared independence from Britain and the formation of a new country, the USA.
Who wrote the Declaration of Independence?
Thomas Jefferson
Who asked Jefferson to write the Declaration of Independence?
John Adams
Who proposed independence?
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Who was in the committee to write the Declaration?
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Who edited and adopted the Declaration of Independence?
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What did the Continental Congress change when they edited it?
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When did Richard Henry Lee propose the Declaration of Independence?
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When was the Declaration of Independence formally adopted?
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When was the signing of the Declaration of Independence completed?
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Where was the Declaration of Independence written?
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Why did they write the Declaration of Independence?
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What parts was the Declaration of Independence divided into?
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What does the Declaration of Independence explain?
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What does Thomas Jefferson think about people's rights and purpose of government?
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What do the signers of the Declaration of Independence pledge?
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What was the Lee Resolution?
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In exact words, what does Richard Henry Lee say in his Resolution?
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Who was in the Second Continental Congress?
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What is the Second Continental Congress?
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When did the Second Continental Congress meet?
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Where did the Second Continental Congress meet?
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Why did the Second Continental Congress meet?
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Study Notes
Declaration of Independence Overview
- Declared independence from Britain; established the USA.
- Written by Thomas Jefferson at the request of John Adams.
Key Figures Involved
- Richard Henry Lee proposed independence on June 7, 1776.
- Committee members: Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston.
- Edited and adopted by the Second Continental Congress.
Significant Edits
- Removal of a controversial passage condemning slavery due to southern objections.
Important Dates
- Richard Henry Lee's proposal: June 7, 1776.
- Formal adoption: July 4, 1776.
- Signing completed: August 2, 1776.
Location of Writing
- Written in Philadelphia.
Purpose of the Declaration
- Exhausted all possibilities of diplomatic solutions with Britain.
- Intended to explain America’s independence to the world and rally support for the Revolution.
Structure of the Document
- Natural Rights: Discusses inherent rights and government’s role.
- British Wrongs: Lists grievances against the British crown.
- Declaration of Independence: Proclaims American independence.
Key Themes Discussed
- Human rights and government accountability.
- Grievances against King George III as evidence of British violations.
- Nations’ rights to declare war, make peace, trade, and engage in diplomacy.
Jefferson's Philosophy
- Belief in inalienable rights of individuals.
- Government’s primary role is to secure these rights, with the potential for alteration or abolition if it fails.
Pledge of the Signers
- Signers committed their lives, fortunes, and honor to the cause of independence.
Lee Resolution
- Official proposal for independence presented to the Second Continental Congress.
- Key phrase: "these United Colonies are... free and independent states."
Second Continental Congress
- Comprised delegates from all 13 colonies; key decision-making body from May 1775 to July 1776.
- Met in Philadelphia to coordinate war efforts and negotiate rights with Britain.
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