On July 4th, 1776, the United States of America declared its independence from Great Britain, forever changing the course of history. The declaration of independence that was written at the time is a timeless document – both in its power as a proclamation of sovereignty and as a declaration of human rights. It is a voice that continues to echo through the centuries, standing strong for freedom and justice. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Declaration of Independence and what it means in today’s world.
I. The Founding of a Nation: The Declaration of Independence
On July 4, 1776, the United States of America declared its independence, a momentous decision that marked the start of a new nation. The event was the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, a document drafted by Thomas Jefferson and approved by the Continental Congress.
The Declaration declared the beliefs and principles of America: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed with inalienable rights, and that governments are formed to protect these rights. As such, it announced the separation of America from the rule of Great Britain.
Though some wanted to diplomatically negotiate with Britain, others argued for complete independence. Eventually, the voice of independence prevailed, and on July 2 the Second Continental Congress voted in favor of the document. Two days later, the Declaration was signed.
The signing of the Declaration of Independence united the colonies in their cause. The document stirred the imagination of people throughout the United States, uniting them under the idea of freedom and independence. It was a powerful message that would eventually lead to the founding of the United States of America.
The Declaration of Independence created the framework that would define the nation. Its words firmly established the foundations of democratic principles and inspired many generations of Americans to strive for betterment and progress. It remains, to this day, a triumphant example of freedom and liberty.
II. Establishing Sovereign Freedom: The Origins of the Declaration
The Declaration of Independence was one of the first steps taken by colonists in their journey to freedom from their motherland, Great Britain. This momentous document, which boldly declared the right of the people to governing themselves, remains a powerful symbol of the American struggle for independence.
Before the declaration could be drafted, Isaac Sears and other merchants of New York drafted the Association. The Association was a pledge that the colonists were determined to no longer purchase goods from Great Britain. This revolt aimed to directly affect Britain’s economy, hoping it would force them to negotiate a better settlement with the colonists.
Colonists in New England were especially eager to declare independence from Britain, partly due to their discontent with British regulations that hampered colonial fishing. Consequently, The Association spread quickly to the New England colonies. However, colonists in the Middle Colonies were not as enthusiastic about living separately from Britain.
On June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, a member of the Continental Congress from Virginia, proposed a resolution calling for the colonies to be free and independent. The committee assembled to draft the actual document included Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Roger Sherman. It was completed on July 4, 1776, and was adopted by the Continental Congress quickly.
Significant portions of the Declaration of Independence were inspired by the writings of a Scottish philosopher, John Locke. His work Two Treatises of Government upheld the idea of natural rights for people, which the Declaration proclaimed, including the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It also supported the idea of government by consent of the people, a central part of American democracy to this day.
III. Crafting an Emblem of Liberty: A Look at the Language and Ideas of the Document
Containing majestic and flowery prose, the U.S. Declaration of Independence stands as the nation’s best-known symbol of freedom. The grievances that the people held against the former government were confidently and loudly proclaimed, ringing in a new and revolutionary era in politics. But where did these words come from, and what do they mean?
The language of this revolutionary document draws heavily on the words of major thinkers like Locke, Blackstone, Sydney, Innes, and Rousseau. Ideas from these liberty-minded individuals, dedicated to writing about and advocating for rebellion against a tyrannical governments, were blended together to create this emblem of liberty. Even the style of the Declaration itself resembles what Rousseau called a “Declaration of the Rights of Man.” It also has the structure of a legal document, with its bold opening declaration, its articulation of grievances, and its resolute conclusion.
The Significance of the Words: Language of the Declaration was carefully used to illustrate government misconduct and injustices, from the introductory “unalienable rights” of the people, through the many abuses of power and ending at the statement of intention to dissolve ties with Britain. This document used elegant prose and complex ideologies to serve the purpose of moral justification – to give tangible, legal form of citizens’ grievances.
- The concept of political equality presented in the document was revolutionary – it did not permit for any forms of discrimination or inequality among different people.
- The document also ended the idea of the government as having a divine right to rule, rather relying on the consent of the people to exist.
- The Declaration also accused the government of not protecting their citizens’ rights, rather oppressing them. This remains a powerful critique of governments today.
Overall, the Declaration of Independence stands today as a reminder of the power of the individual voice to create sweeping change. Standing on the shoulders of great men who believed in liberty and rule of law, the Declaration effectively captures the collective voice of rebellion of the people of the United States against unjust power.
IV. Ushering in a New Age of Self-Determination: The Legacy of the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is one of the great achievements of the American Revolution, and its impact is still echoing through our culture today. It not only declared the United States of America as an independent nation, but also it set forth a new model of self-governance, one based on certain unalienable rights and freedoms. That model of self-determination has become a standard bearer for nations the world over.
The Declaration of Independence heralded a wave of freedom and democracy, a concept that is still cherished around the globe. It was the first formal declaration of the ideals of liberty, justice, and equality. It enshrined the notion of self-governance, along with redressing any grievances with the existing government. It has been affirmed and re-affirmed countless times, in the United States and internationally.
The Declaration of Independence also identified the responsibilities of citizens in a democracy. It stated that the people should be actively engaged in their government and in protecting their liberties. It also called on the government to ensure the well-being and security of its people, while respecting their rights. This concept of self-governance has been adapted and applied to many countries around the globe.
The Declaration of Independence also secured important civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. It ensured that individual rights were an inalienable right of every citizen. This concept is fundamental to democracies everywhere. It extends beyond political rights to include rights to one’s own beliefs, private property, and the right to pursue one’s own goals.
Finally, the Declaration of Independence helped usher in a new era of self-determination. This legacy has been felt around the world, inspiring the people of many nations to fight for freedom and justice. Through it, citizens have come to understand that governments should exist to serve the needs of the people, not the other way around. This legacy of self-determination has made democracies thrive, and will continue to do so in the future.
- Key Takeaways:
- The Declaration of Independence set forth the concept of self-determination in government.
- The Declaration of Independence secured important civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press.
- The legacy of the Declaration of Independence has inspired citizens of many countries to fight for freedom and justice.
- This legacy has ushered in a new age of self-determination, making democracies thrive.
The Declaration of Independence has been an undeniable guiding force in our nation’s long history. The amendment of our Constitution, and the implementation of the Bill of Rights have paved the way for a nation of laws and liberties. For centuries to come, the legacy of the Declaration of Independence will forever embody the value of independence and freedom that America stands for.
