The document summarizes the events leading up to the creation of the Declaration of Independence, including that the Second Continental Congress decided to officially separate from Britain. Thomas Jefferson was selected to write a document explaining the reasons why the colonies wanted to separate from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence listed grievances against King George III and included a preamble, declaration of rights, list of grievances, and resolution. A series of acts by Britain and events like the Boston Massacre contributed to growing tensions that led to the American Revolution and the need for a document formalizing independence.

1. In your groups,
read the Declaration of
Independence and answer the
questions on your notes

2. • Met in Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania
• Decided to officially
separate from
Britain
• Thomas Jefferson
selected to write a
document that
explains the
reasons why the
colonies want to
separate from Great
Britain.
Second Continental Congress

3. The Declaration of Independence
• Written by Thomas Jefferson
• It is the “Birth Certificate of the
United States”
• Document listed rights and
grievances against King George III
• 4 parts
1. Preamble
2. Declaration of rights
3. List of Grievances
4. Resolution

4. Now that the first shots were
fired, is it too late for the King of
England to stop the war and
apologize to the colonies???
Is it too late to apologize????

5. HW#7
 Go to our class site
 Complete the notes using
the slides
Due Tomorrow!

6. Activity
 In your groups, complete the
timeline by completing;
1. Definition
2. Significance (how it led to Rev.
War)
3. Drawing
Why was the Declaration of Independence created? What
events lead up to the creation of this document?

7. Causes of the American
Revolution
1. Proclamation of 1763
2. Sugar Act: 1764
3. Stamp Act: 1765
4. Townshend Act: 1767
5. Boston Massacre: 1770
6. Tea Act: 1773
7. Intolerable (Coercive) Acts:
1774

8.  Why was the Declaration
of Independence written?
Closure