About the Declaration
The Declaration of Independence is a very historical document that declares the colonists' basic rights, laws, and all of the reasons for overthrowing the British. It took place in the thirteen American colonies way back in the late 1700's. The reason why the Declaration was made is because the colonists were being very unfairly taxed by the British.
The colonists were so infuriated that they declared war on the British. The odds were very strongly against the colonists. Their army was little and they didn't have very much for supplies. They had a few strong advantages that made a big impact. The colonists knew the land like the back of their hand and it was strange and new for the British. They didn't know how to battle very well in the wilderness.
The war lasted a really long time and both sides were pretty evenly matched. Finally, after almost ten years, the colonists hurt the British in the battle of Saratoga and won the war at Yorktown.
The Declaration was adopted, or accepted, on July 4th, 1776. Fifty-six people signed the Declaration. The most famous person to sign the Declaration was John Hancock. He was the president of the Second Continental Congress. He was the first to sign it. In big bold letters he wrote how the king could have his head for twice the reward of 500 pounds.
 Back
to Home |