Read the Declaration of Independence. According to this document, why did the colonists rebel against Great Britain? Which of the interpretations of the Revolution cited in this chapter's Counterpoint essay does this document appear to support? Now consider what, if any, problems this documents causes for historians as a piece of historical evidence. Who wrote the document? What was its purpose? Who was its intended audience? Do these questions or any other possible concerns make you reconsider your understanding of the ideological motivations of the Americans who revolted against the British? Why or why not?

http://www.law.indiana.edu/uslawdocs/declaration.html

As an example of why historians care about this issue of whether the Revolution was primarily a fight for home rule or over who should rule at home, read this essay on tarring and feathering. How could your understanding of this ritual change depending on whether you believe that Americans were fairly united in their opposition to the British or that significant conflict existed among the wealthier and poorer classes of Americans as they each worked to shape a revolution that fit their interest?

http://revolution.h-net.msu.edu/essays/irvin.feathers.html