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Lesson 5: What ideas did the Founders use in the Declaration of Independence?


Lesson Purpose

In 1776, the American colonies broke away from British rule. They chose to be a free country. The Founders wrote a special statement to explain why they wanted to be independent. This statement is called the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important writings in American history. It describes the major ideas the Founders had about government. The Declaration also lists the Founders’ complaints against the British king.