Declaration of Independence

This scene transports users to Pennsylvania State House in 1776 as the Declaration of Independence is signed, announcing to the world that the 13 colonies of British America wish to split from the British Empire and form a new nation on Earth, the United States of America. Outside of the Assembly Room students can explore some contextual information, such as a map of the 13 colonies at that time, and an illustration of how ‘taxation without representation’ was one of the grievances which motivated the movement towards independence.

# Learning objectives

1: Explain why the 13 colonies of British America wanted to declare independence from British rule{.info}

2: To know what the document ‘The Declaration of Independence’ stated when it was written in 1776{.info}

# America Before 1776{.objective .objective1}

In this section the growing differences between the British colony and the colonists is described. A relationship that was once beneficial started to become unsatisfactory for the colonists living in America. While exploring the scene, a representation of the taxation system is modelled and how this created grievances the colonists had with the British rule.

# Planning the Declaration{.objective .objective2}

In this section a description of the writing of the declaration of independence is outlined. A committee of five led by Thomas Jefferson, took on the task of creating a shared vision and produced the famous document eventually shared between the 13 colonies. Students will explore the map outlining the 13 colonies involved in the shared vision in 1776.

# The Declaration of Independence{.objective .objective3}

In this section a detail of the Declaration of independence are described, and how it justifies the Colonies’ slip from the British rule. It outlines how it sets out a vision for a new nation, laying out many of the founding principles, which are still important today. Students should study the Declaration of Independence and identify key phrases fundamental to the vision, and notice the prominent signature of John Hancock.