The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson and signed by representatives from all 13 colonies on August 2, 1776. In the document, the leaders outlined their reasons for declaring independence from England. Historians have disagreed as to whether the colonial leaders were motivated by selfish or ideological reasons. Some examples of ideological reasons would be equality, freedom, liberty, etc. Examples of selfish reasons might include preserving the power and privilege of rich people or protecting the political and economic interests of slaveholders. Before beginning your essay, please read the following attached primary and secondary sources: The complete Declaration of Independence. The Declaration is divided into three parts: the Preamble, the list of grievances, and the Resolution of Independence. I've provided a copy with this assignment. Some of the language is difficult, so try reading the text first out loud, then silently, looking up any unclear vocabulary.