The significance of the Declaration of Independence to the development of the American Revolution.

Sample Answer

The Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was a pivotal "point of no return" that transformed a localized colonial rebellion into a global struggle for national sovereignty. Its significance lies in its ability to unify the American public, justify the revolution to the international community, and establish the moral framework for the new nation.

Shifting the Goal of the War

When the American Revolution began in April 1775 at Lexington and Concord, most colonists were not fighting for independence; they were fighting for their rights as British subjects (often summarized as "No Taxation Without Representation").