The Declaration of Independence explains why the colonists had a right to revolt against and become independent from England. However, after numerous attempts to reason with the King, the colonists contested the violations of the Parliament based upon English liberty. In June, 1776, after years of not being heard, The Second Continental Congress appointed five delegates to produce a formal written declaration of independence. Was this fair? In my option, yes. England treated America like a younger step-sister. The colonist’s major complaint was that rules were being passed in England that affected the life of the colonies. The Declaration gave a voice to the people to list their grievances. The colonists had no representation in England to
It was written to protect the colonist from King George III. He had strict laws and high taxes. The Declaration was final in 1776; Has three parts: an introduction paragraph that states reasons why this document was created. Then, it lists in order the grievances against King George III. Finally, the colonists give a name to their new born country.
Although the Declaration of Independence is now viewed as the official document that wholly released the United States from the political grasp of Great Britain, this was not the initial intended purpose of this document. In fact, at the time the first draft was written, the Colonists merely desired better treatment from the then supreme political power. Yet certain events inspired the American colonists to rethink their proposal for negotiation- events that led to revisions present in the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. As a means to ridicule Britain on its unjust principles, the Colonists imitated the British Declaration to expose Britain on its hypocritical views of equality. Therefore, it is easy to conclude that the American
During the mid-1700’s after “Seven Years War”, the British became submerged under a massive debt from fighting in one of the empire’s most expensive war. To absorb the impact of the war debt, Prime Minister of England George Grenville, shifted part of the war debt to Britain’s colonies. Throughout the mid-1700’s Britain imposed intolerable acts upon the colonies such as the sugar act, stamp act, tea act, coercive acts, so on and so forth. Though the colonies trying to fight for representation so taxes can be passed with a majority’s approval instead of members of parliament making colonists decisions, never declared a full on war with the mother country or even wanted to separate in the first place.
Over the course of American history, society has dealt with many flaws, and dilemmas. In Source B, it illustrates that Abigail Adams, John’s wife, wanted the Continental Congress to remember the ladies when they write The Declaration of Independence. In Source C, it rationalizes how slaves didn’t have equal rights as white men, and the petition is trying to give their natural rights back. Furthermore, in Source D, a miniseries that depicted John Adams life, given particular the Revolutionary War. This source allows the viewer to visualize the conflicts that the Continental Congress had, with the colonists, and the British.
Quoted in an article by the USCIS “In 1774, leaders from the colonies met in Philadelphia to discuss British laws that they believed were unfair. They believed that Great Britain did not treat the colonists as equal citizens.” This realization is what eventually led to the Declaration of Independence being written. There were various reasons for American colonists to push for independence from Great Britain. In personal opinion the colonists' side of the argument seemed to be the more logical side and it was reasonable for the colonists to demand their independence considering their lack of representation in
“Give me liberty or give me death!” This well-known slash from Patrick Henry against British taxation forced upon American colonies is a great example of one of many reasons that sparked the passion to write the declaration. British rule diminished American colonist’s political, economic, and religious freedoms. Many hesitated to support independence because they feared the power of Britain but were soon convinced that something had to give. The colonists were convinced through the words of the famous Samuel Adams, Patrick Henry, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson.
The American Declaration of Independence molded the foundation for the United States. Most of the establishments of this country are based on the Continental Congress’ decision to declare independence from Great Britain. The document was the first to demand liberation of the people from the evils of King George. Thomas Jefferson was a highly courageous man for constructing a document that would be considered forbidden during that time, with little to no support from the colonists. One of Jefferson’s main subjects were the colonists’ lack of natural born rights.
Nicole Smith 3/15/17 Mrs. Finder U.S. History DBQ Thematic Essay Despite what the Declaration of Independence says groups of people have been subjected to inequality and discrimination. Two of the major groups that faced a lot of problems were the African Americans and industrial workers. Through individuals, organizations, and government the groups have gained more equal rights.
The Declaration of Independence shows how England treated the colonies by infringing upon their basic rights. For Example, it states “He [King of England] has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the
The Declaration of Independence: An unsuccessful validation for deceitfulness and treason Thomas Jefferson and the Sons of Liberty failed to justify treason and war when composing the Declaration. Lets begin by clarifying that the colonies had been for long a land of lawlessness, chaos and disorder, where people smuggled to avoid taxes. One perfect example is John Hancock of Massachussetts, who was a very known politician and smuggler. He was even arrested for it and colonist started riots, to set him free so they could be able to purchase his illegal goods (Tea). The Crown, when seeing all the smuggling going on, they decided to sell Tea at a lower cost than the smuggled tea.
Was the Declaration of Independence really accurate? Was it really true? In Source A, written by Thomas Jefferson, it shows a document stating that all men are equal. Source A, has four different parts to it. Source B is written by Abigail Adams and demonstrates how woman do not have enough rights as the males do.
The list of offenses against the colonists proceeds, with a focus on the King's attempts to undermine the governments of the colonies and the horrors of conflict that had already affected the colonists. Jefferson even addresses that for every offense against them; the colonists had tried to communicate peacefully with their oppressors but were only “answered with repeated injury.” Thomas Jefferson concludes the piece by declaring these united colonies as a “free and independent states.” This message to the King in in Europe was what the newly formed states needed to unite under one unit and to show the King of England that they were going to fight for their freedom.
It also brings the quarrel with England from a political dispute to a very large event. It implies that America’s situation has problems with moral legitimacy. The introduction identifies the purpose of the Declaration; to declare the causes of America breaking off from England. The preamble outlines a general philosophy of government that makes revolution justifiable.
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in History; it was accepted into the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. The Declaration of Independence summarizes the colonist’s motivations in seeking their own independence away from Great Britain. By doing so, they had acknowledged themselves as an independent nation. The American colonists were now able to approve an official alliance with France and to gain French support in the war against Great Britain. During the 1760’s the North American colonists found themselves more and more at chances with the British imperial policies in regards to the taxation and policies.
The question of has America moved closer to or further away from the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence depends on whose perspective you are viewing it. From a global mindset, we’re an independent nation who makes decisions that benefit our country. We can impact the world through our influence without being subject to other countries wills. This is the broad view of why autonomy was sought. If one rests here, the answer is we are closer.