- The document discusses the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, including growing divisions between Loyalists and Patriots and the publication of Common Sense which helped sway public opinion toward independence. - It then describes how the Virginia colony authorized its delegates to support independence and how Thomas Jefferson was tasked with writing the Declaration of Independence. - The Declaration outlined the natural rights of the people, a list of grievances against the King and British government violating those rights, and concluded by declaring the 13 colonies independent and sovereign states.