The Declaration of Independence

Q: Why was Common Sense such an important document?  

A: Common Sense, written by Thomas Paine, was an important document because the publication of this pamphlet helped convert a number of North Americans to break free from England. This pamphlet stated that Americans should act a certain way against the clutches of England.

Q: Why was the idea behind the Declaration of Independence indecisive?

A: The idea behind the Declaration of Independence was indecisive, because the declaration required that the 13 colonies to come together and unite against England. Not all colonies were supportive at the beginning. There were many colonists and Loyalists that did not want to fight England and saw it as treason.

Q: Why did Thomas Jefferson consider the Declaration of Independence one of his biggest accomplishments?

A: Thomas Jefferson considered the Declaration of Independence one of his biggest accomplishments, because the Declaration is one of the most important documents in the history of The United States and it declared America’s independence from England. 

Q: Why did John Hancock sign the Declaration in big letters?

A: John Hancock signed the Declaration in big letters, because he was not afraid of England’s reaction, and he proved it by saying, “There you have it, I think King George can read this.”

Q: How did the thirteen colonies separate from England? 

A: The colonies separated from England by first signing the Declaration of Independence, and then by becoming one nation and fighting together against England.          

Q: What were some complaints that the colonists stated in the Declaration of Independence?

A: Some complaints were that they did not want to pay taxes without representation in Parliament, and that they wanted to rule themselves. They also complained about King George and his unjust ways. 

Q:  What were the reasons that the colonies broke away from England?

A:  Some reasons why the colonies split from England were that they wanted to rule themselves and they were tired of paying taxes and not being represented in Parliament.

Q: How did the Patriots and Loyalists react to the Declaration of Independence?

A: Patriots sided with the colonies, while the Loyalists were loyal to England. They disagreed mostly in matters of taxes. The Patriots thought it wasn’t fair to pay taxes if they were to not have a say in Parliament, while the Loyalists thought that they should be grateful to England for providing protection. Loyalists did not agree with what was said in the Declaration as they viewed it as treason.