Why Did We Need Independence?

After all the colonies met together, at what was called the Second Continental Congress, they decided they needed independence. Freedom from Great Britain meant they would be free of a king and would have their own government.
Three of the five men chosen are shown here to the right.

What Was Said in the Document?

This document, the Declaration of Independence, was essentially a break-up letter with Great Britain. The American Colonies no longer wanted British control and this told them that. This document also expressed the ideas of what it meant to be an American and what independence truly meant.

What Was Said in the Document?

The Declaration of Independence also said something super important that we still keep true today:

​All men are created equal and have certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness

​This idea in the DoI means that all Americans have the right to their lives and choices.

Life

​This idea in the DoI means that all Americans have choices in their life, and that they are not forced to live a certain way.

​​Liberty

This idea in the DoI means that all Americans can choose to do what makes them happy, and do not have to do anything they don't want... within reason!

​​Pursuit of Happiness

​The Ideas of the Declaration