Final answer:
The Declaration of Independence was influenced by external factors like Enlightenment ideas and British taxes, as well as internal factors like colonial unity. The debates and factors leading to the declaration included the passage of British acts, the formation of the First Continental Congress, and the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. These events led to the colonies officially declaring independence from Great Britain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Background Leading to the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was a result of various external and internal factors that led the colonies to seek independence from Great Britain. External factors included the Enlightenment ideas of individual rights and the concept of self-government, as well as Britain's imposition of taxes and restrictions on trade. Internal factors involved the growing sense of unity among the colonies and their desire for greater autonomy.
Debate and Factors leading to the Declaration
The colonies engaged in a series of debates and discussions, ultimately reaching a tipping point that led to the Declaration of Independence. One significant factor was the passage of various acts by the British Parliament, such as the Stamp Act and the Tea Act, which imposed taxes and trade restrictions on the colonies. These acts sparked widespread protests and boycotts, catalyzing the colonies' resolve to break away.
Another crucial factor was the formation of the First Continental Congress in 1774, where colonial leaders convened to unite against British oppression. The Congress expressed grievances and sought a peaceful resolution, but when negotiations failed, armed conflict erupted in the form of the Revolutionary War. The war further solidified the colonies' desire for independence and ultimately led to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, which formalized the separation from Britain.
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