The Declaration of

Independence
Historical Context
When is rebellion justified?

In June of 1776, Thomas Jefferson and

other colonial leaders had decided to
rebel against British rule. But they
needed to justify their dangerous action
—to themselves, to the king, and to the
world.
Historical Context
The Declaration of Independence, completed
and signed in July of 1776, marked the official
separation between the 13 colonies and Great
Britain.
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The formal declaration of independence
established the new American revolutionary
government and officially declared war
against Great Britain.
Historical Context
One major purpose of the declaration was
to assist the Second Continental Congress
in obtaining aid from foreign countries.
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The document also clearly outlines the

history of abuses the colonists had
suffered under British rule since the end
of the French and Indian war in 1763.
 Analyze Text structure
The Declaration of Independence has four main sections:

1. a preamble, or foreword, that announces the reason

for the document

2. a declaration of people’s natural rights and relationship

to government

3. a long list of complaints, or grievances, against George III,

the British King

4. a conclusion that formally states America’s

independence
Analyze argument
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argument: expresses an opinion on an issue and

supports it with reasons and evidence to prove its
claim
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claim: writer’s position on the subject

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support: reasons and evidence to prove the claim

Analyze argument !

Jefferson’s purpose in the Declaration of

Independence was to make a logical argument
for independence.
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He wanted to inspire his audience—his fellow

colonists, as well as future generations of
Americans—to aspire to the ideals set forth in
this document.
 Analyze Theme !

The Declaration of Independence

discusses four main themes:
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1) Social Contract
2) Right to Revolution
3) Popular Sovereignty
4) Natural Rights
Social Contract
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The belief that the state only exists to

serve the will of the people—they are
the source of all political power
enjoyed by the state.
Right to revolution
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The right or duty of the people of a

nation to overthrow a government
that acts against their common
interests.
Popular Sovereignty
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The belief that the authority of the

state is created by the will or consent
of its people—who are the source of
all political power.
Natural rights
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The idea that all humans are born

with rights, which include the right to
life, liberty, and property.
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Vocabulary
1) abdicate a) correction

2) redress b) tyranny

3) despotism c) treachery

4) impel d) abandon

5) mercenary e) drive

6) perfidy f) hired soldier