HIS 131—Document Analysis #2
Your Name: ____________________
Title of Document: Declaration of Independence
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Due Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
· Points: 50
· Directions: Please read the Declaration of Independence document and then answer the following questions. For questions 3 through 10, please use complete sentences.
1. When was the document created?
2. Who created or authored the document? I have provided the answer.
The Continental Congress created a committee to draft the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was the lead author.
3. In your own words, please summarize the document. What is the main claim (or claims) presented in the document? What evidence is presented to support the claim(s)?
4. In the beginning of the document, Jefferson used the phrase “[t]he unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America.” At the time, there were thirteen states. Why do you think it was important for Jefferson to include this phrase? What did it signal?
5. In the Declaration, Jefferson stated that “all men are created equal.” What do you think he meant by the phrase?
6. In the original draft of the Declaration, Jefferson included a negative reference to the institution of slavery. Why do you think that reference was removed from the document?
7. The word “He” is repeated frequently throughout the document. Who was “He”? What did “He” do to the Americans? Please give specific examples.
8. Who was the intended audience for the document at the time it was written?
9. Why did the Continental Congress write this? What was their motive?
10. Since its creation in 1776, how has the meaning or the importance of the Declaration of Independence changed over time?
· Based, in part, on the “Written Document Analysis Worksheet” created by the Education Staff, National Archives and Records Administration.
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