Question

Thomas Jefferson and the Second Continental Congress wrote the Declaration of Independence to declare they were free from England’s rule, but the Second Continental Congress was also explaining to the colonists and other countries why the colonies were choosing to rebel. Why did the Continental Congress need to explain themselves to the colonists and other countries? What are some specific things Jefferson included to appeal specifically to this audience? How is the influence of the enlightenment seen in the Declaration of Independence?

Answer 1

The correct answers to these open questions are the following.

Why did the Continental Congress need to explain themselves to the colonists and other countries?

The reasons that forced the 13 American colonies to make the tough decision of revolting against the English Crown and to share the arguments that supported the Declaration of Independence.

What are some specific things Jefferson included to appeal specifically to this audience?

In simpler terms, what Thomas Jefferson included in the Declaration of Independence were all the aggravations of the English government against the colonies, such as the heavy taxation imposed by the King and the fact that the colonists did not have a voice or representation in the British Parliament.

How is the influence of the Enlightenment seen in the Declaration of Independence?

In many ways. specifically, on the ideas of liberty, equality, natural human rights, and welfare. These ideas were formerly expressed by important philosophers and thinkers from the European Enlightenment like Jean-Jaques Rosseau, Baron of Montesquiou, John Locke, Voltaire, and Thomas Hobbes.