Question

What does Jefferson state directly as the reason the Declaration of Independence had to be written?

Answer 1

In the Summary Review of the Rights of British America Jefferson sets out many reasons for the necessity of a declaration of independence among which are the despotism of the British crown under George III in preventing the inhabitants of the 13 colonies from the pursuit of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". Also, the colonies had written the king several times about the necessity of redress for their grievances but had never received a response. Also, being a colony of Great Britain, free trade with other countries was not allowed.