Basics
What year was the Declaration of Independence adopted?
1776
The Declaration was basically a “break up letter” to who?
King George III
Who was the main writer of the Declaration?
Thomas Jefferson
The Declaration gave the colonies what?
Freedom
How many men signed the Declaration?
56
What document declared the colonies independent?
The Declaration of Independence
The primary purpose was to officially declare what?
War and Independence
Name one person who helped edit it.
Benjamin Franklin
It helped create what type of government?
A democracy
Who was the oldest signer?
Benjamin Franklin
How many colonies declared independence?
13
The document listed complaints against what government?
British government
Why was Jefferson chosen?
He was the best writer
Name the 3 rights it protects.
Life, liberty, or the pursuit of happiness
Who was the youngest signer?
Edward Rutledge
What country were the colonies breaking away from?
Great Britain
It helped gain support from what country?
France
What happened after Jefferson finished the draft?
It was edited before being presented to Congress
The document still influences what today?
U.S. laws and rights
Who had the most famous signature?
John Hancock
Which group adopted the Declaration?
Second Continental Congress
The Declaration tried to justify what idea to other nations?
The colonies right to independence
Name BOTH editors besides Jefferson.
Benjamin Franklin and John Adams
It inspired other countries to do what?
Fight for independence
Why is John Hancock’s signature famous?
He signed very large and clearly