jul 4, 1776 - Declaration of Independance

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Pronounced and adopted by the Continental Congress. Document signed bu most of the delegates and sent to the colonial capitals. The Delcaration explained why the 13 colonies at war with the Kingdom of Great Britain regarded themselves as thirteen independent sovereign states, no longer under British rule. With the Declaration, these new states took a collective first step toward forming the United States of America.

2 parts: preamble inspired by John Lock's work (English liberal thinker, "natural rights") + list of usurpations that led to independence.

Stated a clear purpose and objective for making a revolution and of convinving the undecided to join the patriot cause.

Powerful universal language -> inspired 1789 French Revolution.

Sharpened lines between Whigs (patriots) and Tories (loyalists) and forced individual Americans to make difficult choices. End of proclamation line as a permanent border between settlers and Indians.

Reasons for delay in declaring independence:
- Sentimental attachment of most colonists to the mother country.
- Connection of language and culture
- Fear that either anarchy or despotism might take the place of British authority.
- Hope there would be a change in the British ministry and a softening of policies.
- Reluctance of merchants to give up trade privileges under British flag.
- Lack of effective apparatus for building a national or intercolonial consensus for such a dramatic move.

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