Extract from the Declaration of Independence, 4 July 1776. Catalogue ref: EXT 9/76
On the 4 July 1776, the American colonies issued a joint Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson. This laid down their desire to gain independence from Great Britain.
Transcript
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We hold these Truths to be self-evident, that all Men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness – That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundations on such Principles, and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
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- How did Americans present their reasons for independence?
- Do you think these were different to their actual motivations?
- Can you explain how ideas in the other sources concerning colonial rights and the responsibilities of government are reflected in this passage?
- Are there any differences in the language or phrases used here?