Analyzing the Declaration of Independence
Module 1 Topic 5 Application
The Declaration of Independence is the primary document that our founding fathers used as a
justification for their war of independence waged against Britain. Americans were not the people
for which the document was intended. The document was written to justify the action of the
colonies to Britain and other countries of the world (mostly those in Europe). The Second
Continental Congress hoped that such a justification might be enough reason for foreign
countries to aid the colonists against Britain, or at least, not help Britain put down the rebellion of
its colonies.
It is thus time for you to take a closer look at the organization and content of this persuasive
document.
Part One: The Opening
This part provides the theoretical
justification of when it is OK for a
people to overthrow (change) its
government.
Part Two: The Grievances
From the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of
Independence, list the self-evident truths that indicate when
it is alright for people to change their government.
List and explain what you believe are the 5 most significant
grievances of the colonists.
This part lists over 20 grievances
(complaints) about the king of
Britain violating the writes of his
colonial citizens.
Part Three: Reconciliation
List and explain three ways that the colonists attempted to
resolve their problems with Parliament and/or the King.
This part explains that the
colonists attempt to resolve their
issues with the king but that they
were refused (the next to last
paragraph).
Part IV: Independence Declared
Who do the signers of the Declaration indicate that they are
speaking for and to whom do they say they are speaking?
In the final paragraph, the
independence of the colonies
from Britain is declared.
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