In 1776, Thomas Jefferson and a special committee wrote the Declaration of Independence. This document outlined colonial grievances and included a new philosophy regarding government.
The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson to express that America was ready to be an independent nation. Learn more about the Declaration of Independence on Discovery Channel’s “Assignment Discovery.”
For 150 years, American colonies enjoyed the freedom of managing their own affairs and creating their own political, social and financial systems. When England began limiting these privileges, the American colonists felt it was time for independence.
Thomas Paine’s pamphlet titled “Common Sense” urged colonists to rebel against England. In addition, the issue of slaves and their lack of liberty and representation began to emerge.
Congress’ resolution for total independence from Britain was approved (by Congress). Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and this document was signed by the members of Congress.
This video examines the basic principles and concepts set forth in the Declaration of Independence, as well as the American leaders, their ideas and the historical events that spurred them to declare independence from England in 1776.
British common law springs from the rights outlined in the Magna Carta. Signed in A.D. 1215, the Magna Carta outlined baronial rights that were independent of a king’s authority.
‘Taxation without representation emerged as the central issue of conflict between the colonies and Great Britain. Full motion footage accompanied by stills of historical events and dramatized narration shows how this issue led to actual conflict.
The Continental Congress represented a challenge to the Crown. King George intended to teach the colonies a lesson, but the Minutemen were prepared. British troops were challenged first at Lexington and then at Concord.
This program traces the key events of the American Revolutionary War from its outbreak at Lexington, Massachusetts in 1775 to the signing of the Treaty of Paris in 1783.
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