DBQ Declaration

​Declaration of Independence DBQ

By Nathan Tully

Multiple Choice

Who was the intended audience for the Declaration of Independence and why was it written?

• British Parliament, to demand immediate peace and friendship

• American colonists, to justify breaking away from Britain and unite for independence

• Loyalists in the colonies, to persuade them to remain loyal to King George III

Multiple Choice

What was the historical context when the Declaration of Independence was written?

• The colonies were fighting Britain in the Revolutionary War and wanted to explain why they were breaking away

• The colonies were making peace with Britain after the war ended

• The colonies were asking France for help before the war started

A Shared Sense of belonging and unity among people in a nation.
For Colonists, this happened as they united against British rule
Before the Revolution, the 13 colonies were separated, but British policies united the colonies with their unpopularity.

Collective Identity

Multiple Choice

What is the main purpose of the Preamble in the Declaration of Independence?

• To list all the complaints against King George III

• To describe the new government in detail

• To explain why the colonies are declaring independence

Multiple Choice

What evidence from the Preamble shows that colonists believed in self-government?

• "...all people are created equal..."

• "...to ensure the safety and happiness of the people."

• "Whenever a government harms these goals, it is the right of the people to change or get rid of it..."

Multiple Choice

Why did the colonists list complaints about the king?

• To ask the king for money

• To show why they wanted independence

• To make peace with Britain

Multiple Choice

Which of these is an example of a grievance listed in the Declaration?

• The King allowed the colonies to make their own laws

• The King taxed the colonies without their consent

• The King gave the colonies free trade with other countries

Multiple Choice

What evidence from the list of grievances shows that colonists wanted fair treatment?

• "He gave us free land"

• "He took away trials by jury"

• "He helped us write laws"

Multiple Choice

What does the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence state?

• The colonies are free and independent states

• The colonies will remain loyal to Britain

• The colonies will create a new monarchy

Multiple Choice

What evidence from the conclusion officially announces independence from Britain?

• "...the Representatives of the people living within these united States of America..."

• "...we officially declare that these colonies are...Free and Independent States..."

• "...we promise to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor."

Open Ended

How does each part of the Declaration reflect an American identity at the time of the American Revolution?