Explore the Major Causes of the American Revolution: Room 3
Welcome to our virtual exhibit gallery, where you can delve into the pivotal moments of the American Revolution. Discover the causes that ignited a nation and the remarkable roles women played in shaping history. Feel free to explore at your own pace and uncover the stories within.
The Declaration of Independence(1776)
The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776. It annouced were breaking away from British rule and becoming their own nation. It was mainly written by Thomas Jefferson, and it explained the ideas behind the new nations Independence. It stated that the government gets its power from the consent of the governed. If the government becomes to harful for its people, then the people have the right to change or overthrow its government. These ideas helped influence the Enlightenment's thinkers and helped justify the colonists' decisions. It helped promote equality and freedom among the new nation.
For more Information:
National Archives. “Declaration of Independence.” National Archives, The U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, 7 Aug. 2025, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript.
The Original Document
To the right of this page, you will find a picture of the Original Declaration of Independence document. The document states that all people should have the natural right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration also lists specific complaints against the King, explaining how the colonists needed to be separated from the King permanently. They believed that this was necessary and that the King was abusing his power. Their grievances were meant to prove that the British Parliament violated the colonists' rights. At the end of the document, it officially declared their indepencdece whcih ended up forming the United States. Even though this promoted equality and freedom, it did not account for enslaved people, women, and Native Americans.
Image Source:
National Archives. “The Declaration of Independence.” National Archives, 4 July 1776, www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration.
Continue your exploration
Ready to dive deeper into the HJ Digital Museum Exhibit? Explore more galleries and learn about other fascinating aspects of history.