What is the purpose of the Declaration of Independence?
Quick Answer
The purpose of the Declaration of Independence was to list grievances against the British monarchy and summarize a philosophy of liberty held by the Continental Congress. The Declaration was written mainly by Thomas Jefferson, but it contained ideas expressed by many founding fathers as well as philosophers such as John Locke.
Continue Reading
Full Answer
Over the course of several years prior to the 1776 signing of the Declaration, the Continental Congress cut ties to Britain through actions such as the Privateering Resolution, which said that colonists could outfit vessels with arms. In 1776, Richard Henry Lee made a resolution that the colonies absolve allegiance to the crown. Debate on the matter indicated the Lee Resolution would be adopted, so Congress convened a five-person committee to draft an independence statement; that statement became the Declaration of Independence.
Learn more about US HistoryRelated Questions
-
Q:
When did the United States become a country?
A: The United States became a country on July 4, 1776, when the Continental Congress formally endorsed the Declaration of Independence. However, the first tim... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the background history of the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
A: Although the signing of the Declaration of Independence officially announced the independence of the American colonies from Britain in 1776, the journey to... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
When did the 13 colonies gain their independence?
A: The 13 colonies declared their independence in 1776 during the American Revolutionary War, with the Declaration of Independence. This document proclaimed t... Full Answer >Filed Under: -
Q:
What is the significance of Independence Day?
A: America's Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 because this is the anniversary of the day that members of the Continental Congress agreed to the final ... Full Answer >Filed Under:
You May Also Like
-
Q:
How was Aaron Douglas important to the Harlem Renaissance?
-
Q:
What happened during the Roaring Twenties?
-
Q:
What were the major accomplishments of James Madison?
-
Q:
What was the outcome of the Second Continental Congress?
-
Q:
How many kids did Dwight D. Eisenhower have?
-
Q:
Who does the Indian Trust Fund Settlement Act cover?
