Essay Question:

Explain the main reasons why the American colonies declared independence from Britain and analyse the significance of the Declaration of Independence.

Introduction thesis: In your introduction, briefly outline the main causes that led to the colonies' decision to declare independence and state the importance of the Declaration in American history.

Point 1: Taxation without representation was a major cause.

The colonies believed they should not be taxed by a government in which they had no elected representatives.

Evidence:

The Stamp Act and Tea Act imposed taxes on colonists, leading to protests and calls for rights.

Question: Explain how taxation without representation contributed to the colonies' decision to seek independence.

Point 2: The Declaration emphasized the rights of individuals and the idea that government should protect these rights.

It states that all men are created equal and have rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Evidence:

The famous line from the Declaration: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..."

Question: Outline the key ideas about rights and government expressed in the Declaration of Independence.

Counter-argument: Some argue that the colonies' decision was primarily driven by economic interests and personal grievances rather than ideals about rights.

Others believe that the British government was justified in taxing and controlling the colonies.

Question: Compare the ideological reasons with economic or personal reasons for the colonies' push for independence.

Conclusion: Summarize the main causes and explain why the Declaration of Independence remains a key document in history.

Question: Draft a concluding paragraph that summarizes the causes and highlights the importance of the Declaration.