Revolution for Freedom: The Declaration's Impact

The Declaration of Independence didn't stop the war; it just gave it a whole new purpose.

By the summer of 1776, the American colonies and Britain were already fighting.

Leaders like Thomas Jefferson decided it was time to explain why they were breaking away.

He wrote the Declaration as a formal breakup letter to King George III. It listed all their

complaints, like being taxed without a say. But it also introduced the radical idea

that "all men are created equal" with natural rights to life and liberty. It argued that when

a government becomes abusive, the people have the right to change it.

So, on July 4th, the fight wasn't just about taxes anymore.