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There were many causes and consequences of the American Declaration of Independence in 1776, some more important than others.  
On June 7th, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia-made a motion in the 2nd Continental Congress that “these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be free and independent states…”, this motion was adopted nearly a month later on July 2, 1776.   Thomas Jefferson, a thirty-three year old Virginia lawyer wrote the draft, along with other members such as John Adams, Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, and C. Livingston.   The Declaration was based on Enlightenment Thinking, an expansion of why the colonists desired independence.   The document was written like a legal brief stating the violations of colonial rights and liberties by the king.   The document initially included a clause that would have abolished slavery, but several southern states would not sign it with that clause included.  
There were very important causes of the Declaration of Independence.   One cause was the publication of common sense, by Thomas Paine.   This pamphlet was written in a language that common folk could understand, and argued that all government officials should derive their authority from popular consent not a king’s decree.   Another cause was heavy taxation.   The colonists were continually bombarded with one new tax after another.   This made it very hard to earn a living.   Also there was little or no representation in government, leaving no way to complain about the inequities of the taxation and laws.
Consequences due to the Declaration of Independence included, people loyal to Britain were mistreated, some imprisoned, and few hanged.   It showed who was who; you had to be either loyalist or patriot.   There were many battles fought by Britain trying to regain control of the colonies.   The reason they won the colonies was because Britain had to have the Americas wealth, trade, and their resources.  
There were many causes and consequences of the Declaration of...