The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence, written to justify the colonists’ momentous break, remains one of the nation’s most important documents. Shaped by Enlightenment ideas, it defines emerging American ideals and envisions what democracy could become. When Thomas Jefferson wrote of the rights to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” he enshrined them as core American ideals.
The Declaration of Independence, 1776
video
Directions: Watch the video clip. As you watch, complete the chart below.
| Keyboard Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
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