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Discover the key events, causes, and major battles of the American War of Independence. Learn how the thirteen colonies gained freedom from British rule and became the United States of America. The Declaration of Independence is made up of five distinct parts: the introduction; the preamble; the body, which can be divided into two sections; and a conclusion. A timeline of the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence, with links to detailed information about these events, and the people, places and things surrounding the Declaration and the Revolutionary War What were Thomas Jefferson and the Declaration Committee referencing as they created this document, which ultimately was an incredible act of treason against their King and country. As you read this, you'll see history through their eyes as you discover the meaning behind the words. After two days of editing and debate, the Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, even as a large British fleet and more than 34,000 troops prepared to invade New York. America Declares Its Independence July 1776 The Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress. Following a decade of agitation over taxes and a year of war, representatives make the break with Britain. King George III isn't willing to let his subjects go without a fight, and loyalist sentiment remains strong in many American colonists, by and large, hoped that the conflict with Great Britain could be resolved with their rights as Englishmen preserved within the British empire. The path to independence really began when delegates from twelve colonies gathered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the fall of 1774. List of some of the major causes and effects of the Declaration of Independence. Several years of armed conflict eventually secured international recognition of what the Declaration had proclaimed: the American colonies became independent of Great Britain and formed the United States of America. The American Revolution (1775–83) was an insurrection carried out by 13 of Great Britain’s North American colonies, which won political independence and went on to form the United States of America. The war followed more than a decade of growing estrangement between the British crown and many North American colonists. Authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson, the Declaration is a powerful statement on the principles of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty. This study module will explore the historical context, philosophical influences, political significance, and the enduring legacy of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence significantly influenced military strategy and morale during the American Revolutionary War. It provided a unifying national identity, inspiring enlistment and bolstering the resolve of Patriot forces. The bloody encounter proved to the British that the colonists were fearsome foes who had to be taken seriously. It was the start of America’s war of independence. The Grievances The Annotated Declaration of Independence Annotations are notes that explain the meaning of certain words or phrases in a document. The annotations here provide historical background, helping you understand what the writers of the Declaration meant when they wrote it, and how other people interpreted their ideas. Image: Declaration of Independence, printed by John Dunlap in The first shots of what would become the war for American independence were fired in April 1775. For some months before that clash at Lexington and Concord, patriots had been gathering arms and powder and had been training to fight the British if that became necessary. When the Declaration was written, this was a radical statement. The idea that the people could reject a monarchy (based on the superiority of a king) and replace it with a republican government (based on the consent of the people) was a revolutionary change. On July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Continental Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence. Here's how the story began - with taxes, tea, and tariffs. 1776, July 4 Congress ratifies the Declaration of Independence 1776, August 14 Hessian troops begin to disembarked on Staten Island 1776, October 26 Benjamin Franklin sets sail for France from Philadelphia 1776, October 28 Battle of White Plains in New York 1776, December 8 Crown forces occupy Newport 1776, December 26 Battle of Trenton in New Britain began to prepare for war in early 1775. The first fighting broke out in April in Massachusetts. In August, the King declared the colonists “in a state of open and avowed rebellion.” For the first time, many colonists began to seriously consider cutting ties with Britain. How might the content of the Declaration of Independence lead to questions over the issue of slavery? 7a. What difficulties did the Patriots experience in the early years of the war? 7b. How did the Patriots turn the tide of the war? 7c. Could the patriots have succeeded in the war without foreign help? explain. 8a. Timeline of significant events related to the Declaration of Independence. The document proclaimed that the 13 original colonies of America were “free and independent states.” It was the last of a series of steps that led the colonies to final separation from Great Britain.
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