The Declaration of
Independence
Thomas Jefferson
Graff House
Preamble
Why did they write out their
reasons to declare
independence?
• To explain why they are
revolting and to begin to
separate themselves from the
British.
Statement of Beliefs
What beliefs did the Founding Fathers
have?
• People are created equal and have
certain rights which are Life, Liberty
and the Pursuit of Happiness. If the
government doesn’t support these
rights than we need a new
government!
List of Complaints
What were they complaining
about?
• King George III and his 27
offenses.
Statement of Prior
Attempts to Redress
Grievances
What had they already tried to do
to fix the problems?
• They tried to find a peaceful
way to reconcile with Great
Britain but were ignored.
Declaration of
Independence
What’s going to change in the colonies
because of this Declaration?
• No more connections with Great
Britain.
• They have created a new
government and can make peace or
war, alliances with foreign nations,
trade and do anything else that they
need to do.
Assignment
• Create your own declaration of
independence.
• It should have all five parts:
Preamble, Beliefs, Complaints,
Attempts to Fix the Problem,
and the Declaration of
Independence.
• Make sure to sign it!