HIS 131—Document Analysis #2

Your Name: ____________________

Title of Document: Declaration of Independence

· Due Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025

· Points: 50

· Directions: Please read the Declaration of Independence document and then answer the following questions. For questions 3 through 10, please use complete sentences.

1. When was the document created?

2. Who created or authored the document? I have provided the answer.

The Continental Congress created a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was the lead author.

3. In your own words, please summarize the document. What is the main claim (or claims) presented in the document? What evidence is presented to support the claim(s)?

4. In the beginning of the document, Jefferson used the phrase “[t]he unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America.” At the time, there were thirteen states. Why do you think it was important for Jefferson to include this phrase? What did it signal?

5. In the Declaration, Jefferson stated that “all men are created equal.” What do you think he meant by the phrase?

6. In the original draft of the Declaration, Jefferson included a negative reference to the institution of slavery. Why do you think that reference was removed from the document?

7. The word “He” is repeated frequently throughout the document. Who was “He”? What did “He” do to the Americans? Please give specific examples.

8. Who was the intended audience for the document at the time it was written?

9. Why did the Continental Congress write this? What was their motive?

10. Since its creation in 1776, how has the meaning or the importance of the Declaration of Independence changed over time?

· Based, in part, on the “Written Document Analysis Worksheet” created by the Education Staff, National Archives and Records Administration.

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

1. When was the document created?

• Provide the date: July 4, 1776.

• You can also mention the historical moment: adoption during the American Revolution.

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2. Who created or authored the document?

• Already given: Continental Congress, lead author Thomas Jefferson.

• You can briefly note that John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston also served on the drafting committee.

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3. Summary & Main Claims

• Write 1–2 paragraphs.

• Identify the main claim: colonies declaring independence from Britain because of unjust rule.

• Evidence: list grievances (taxation without representation, dissolution of legislatures, quartering troops, etc.).

• Conclude with the idea of natural rights (“life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”).

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4. Importance of “Unanimous Declaration” phrase

• Explain unity of the 13 colonies.

• Signaled strength, solidarity, and legitimacy to the world.

• Suggested independence was not just regional but collective.

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5. “All men are created equal” meaning

• At the time: referred to equality of political rights, not social/economic equality.

• Implied natural rights from God, not granted by kings.

• Acknowledge limitations: did not apply to women, enslaved people, or Indigenous groups.

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6. Removal of slavery reference

• Likely removed to maintain unity among colonies.

• Southern colonies depended heavily on slavery.

• Including it might have divided support for independence.

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7. Who was “He”?

• “He” = King George III of Britain.

• Examples of his actions:

  • Imposed taxes without consent.

  • Dissolved colonial legislatures.

  • Maintained standing armies in peacetime.

  • Denied trial by jury.

• Show how this justified rebellion.

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8. Intended audience

• Primarily: the British Crown and Parliament, to explain reasons for separation.

• Also: colonists, to unite them.

• International powers (France, Spain), to gain support.

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9. Motive of the Continental Congress

• To justify independence to the world.

• To rally colonists to the cause.

• To present a legal, moral, and political argument for breaking away from Britain.

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10. Changing meaning over time

• 1776: practical document to justify separation.

• Later: became a symbol of liberty and democracy.

• Used in abolitionist, women’s rights, and civil rights movements.

• Today: represents universal human rights and equality.

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Pro Tip for Writing:

• Use complete sentences for Q3–Q10.

• Keep answers concise (5–7 sentences per question is enough).

• Show both historical context and critical thinking (not just repeating facts).

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