The Declaration of Independence

July 4, 1776, and why we celebrate Independence Day.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 18

By 1776, many colonists were angry. Great Britain's king made laws and taxes for them, but they had no say.
Leaders from the 13 colonies met in Philadelphia. They asked Thomas Jefferson to write down why the colonies should be free.
On July 4, 1776, the leaders approved the Declaration of Independence. It said the 13 colonies were now free and independent.
It says that all men are created equal, with rights to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Liberty means freedom.
Fifty-six leaders signed it. John Hancock signed his name extra big!
The colonies had to fight a war for their freedom, and they won. They became the United States of America.
The Declaration is a primary source: something made by people who were there at the time. A book about it written today is a secondary source.
Every July 4th, we celebrate Independence Day, our country's birthday, with flags, parades, and fireworks!
Try it with a grown-up! Look at a picture of the real Declaration of Independence. Can you find John Hancock's big signature?

Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies:

SS1H1.a — Identify the contributions made by these figures: Benjamin Franklin (inventor/author/ statesman), Thomas Jefferson (Declaration of Independence), Meriwether Lewis and William Clark with Sacagawea (exploration), Theodore Roosevelt (National Parks and the environment), George Washington Carver (science), and Ruby Bridges (civil rights).
IPS.6 — Information Processing Skill 6: identify and use primary and secondary sources (introduced in Grade 1)