The big picture

After the Declaration of Independence was signed, the colonists didn't think of themselves as colonies.Each colony was now a state.Each state had to make a decision about what type of government to have.It would have a convention (formal meeting held for a special purpose) to make these decisions.The 13 states decided to unit (join together) and become the United of States of America.Each state wanted to be independent, like its own country.But, they needed to join together to defend themselves in case they were attacked.