What was the Declaration of Independence all about? It was written by Thomas Jefferson but was probably not signed on July 4th, 1776. It was written after hostilities had broken out. Lexington, Concord, Bunker Hill had taken place a year earlier. Why so late? The reason might be that the colonies were not yet united in their response to Britain. Many did not want to leave the empire only a few years earlier they had boasted about.

For this activity, topics should address content covered in Chapters  16 – 21  in the textbook.      
It is expected that, at a minimum, you are reading the assigned textbook chapters.
You are encouraged to read collateral historical writings on topics covered in the textbook.
This activity will consist of 10 separate journal entries; you will have a total of 20 entries by the end of the course.

• Each separate entry should:      
  • contain a minimum of 120 words.
  • consist of a summary, paraphrase, synthesis of material you are reading/studying in this course.
  • be written in your own words – do not quote the work of others verbatim.
  • discuss the subject matter that you are studying – do not simply agree/disagree.
• Your study involves, first and foremost, learning the nation’s  past; doing so requires a review of previously published studies, so you  are encouraged to conduct research using outside resources, but be sure  to draft your journal entries in your own words.      
  • Direct quotations should not be used; citations are not necessary.
  • Do not copy/paste information from any source.
  • No citations

To gain a better understanding of journal entry expectations, please review the sample entry below:

Entry 1

What was the Declaration of Independence all about? It was  written by Thomas Jefferson but was probably not signed on July 4th,  1776. It was written after hostilities had broken out. Lexington,  Concord, Bunker Hill had taken place a year earlier. Why so late? The  reason might be that the colonies were not yet united in their response  to Britain. Many did not want to leave the empire only a few years  earlier they had boasted about. Also, taking on the powerful British  empire with trained troops seemed almost impossible. Several of the  condemnations in the declaration were not true, and they were addressed  to King George III rather than Parliament, which had the real power. It  is quite possible that the colonial leadership did not want to attack a  representative institution even though it was hardly representative of  the people of Britain. Still, the declaration won widespread approval  and helped to unite the colonists.