Creating the Declaration

Studying the actual text of the Declaration of Independence and related documents from the Colonial period is a good starting point for grasping the ideas the Declaration elaborates.

Here is a study framework for looking at the Declaration itself.

• The Quill Model of the Declaration

  • More information on the Quill Model of the Declaration.

• Massachusetts Town Declarations of Independence (May–July 1776)

• Jefferson's Rough Draft of the Declaration (June 1776)

• First Two Paragraphs of the Declaration

• List of Grievances in the Declaration

• Concluding Text of the Declaration