Declaration of Independence

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America was signed. Fifty-six men put their names on the document. This act showed that the Colonies would not follow the rules of the English any more. This act changed the course of history.

These men did not agree with the rules of England. The Declaration listed 18 ways that the British had done a bad job. These men wrote clearly that the English did not pay attention to the things they needed. The English did not care about their feelings. They did not care about their wishes.

As a result, they wrote this declaration to say that they were going to be free from England. They felt it was important to have full power to make contracts with whomever they wanted. They wanted power to trade with whomever they chose, whenever they wanted to trade.

Lastly, they wanted full power to decide their future. These men wanted to make the choices that were best for themselves and the people who lived in the Colonies.

On July 4, 1776, all 56 men signed the declaration. They promised to give their lives for each other. They promised to share what they had with each other. They promised to respect each other.

These men wanted to be free. Free to choose. Free to speak. Free to live in the way they thought was best.