Declaration Of Independence DBQ Essay

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." This is one of the most simple, yet powerful phrases spoken by the profound Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In the mid 1960's, there were equality issues between Caucasians and African Americans,- African American being the ones considered to be inferior. Many fail to realize that equality is a reoccurring setback that happens today, and all the way back to colonial days. Americas first few founding days were no walk in the park. For colonists had to meet in secret in order to plan for their freedom. The revolutionary war gave them this, or so they thought. This young and fairly

new country needed something to stand by. Various and hardworking authors banded together, thus forming the Declaration of independence. The Declaration of Independence is a document in which states basic rights, ideals, and how our government should work. Some ideals that stand out in this document are having liberty, being able to abolish unwanted policies, and people having the consent of government. Although these ideal are important, equality is the most important among them all.
A memorable quote from the declaration of independence is "...that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable right, that among these are life liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." (Document B).

Although it stands out, many fail to realize the true meaning of it all. This portion of the Declaration of Independence shows that everyone has the right to ultimately be happy. But, as time progresses, the standard of happiness evolves. People cannot be contained with the same thing each day, so they analyte the old. If society can bond over new ways of life being brought to the table, it will give them a motive to work together. Andrew Sullivan puts it in plain sight as to how the Declaration of independence should relate to everyone's happiness. It is like a base to a newly constructed building. You can add on what you are in agreeance upon, and demolish what you're not fond

of.
America has had its days in the light, but also in the dark. Americas days in the dark particularly occurred when change wanted to be brought about. An example of change being desired was in the late 1700's, when Britain ruled over America. Today they are great allies but it was not always like that. The reason being was that Britain taxed America on items such as tea and stamps when they were in need of funds. Unfortunately, they could not do anything about it according to the proclamation of 1773. This was a document that ensured the colonists would have no voice in the government. With all of the extra taxations, restrictive policies, and well mapped protests this young, but sharp country had enough. During all of this, a group called the sons of liberty met in secrect and discussed potential solutions for this problem. With Samuel Adams leading, the sons of liberty and many other angry colonists dumped well over 92,000 pounds of taxed tea into the Boston Harbor. According to document D, this "tea party" was a way for individuals to seek to restore previously set policies. Due to this, when America was liberated they wanted to be certain that they would not have to go to extreme measures to abolish a policies. The Declaration of Independence did just that for America: Gave people the right to abolish or alter any form of unwanted government.
Have you heard of the statue of liberty? It was a gift from France to America since we won the American Revolutionary war. America had taken it as a sign of freedom ever since. The United States was the first modern country to be formed around the consent of government. At that day and age, other countries were not as privileged. Take china for example. In1989, over 200 years subsequently to when America gained freedom, Chinese students took note of it. They desired the same for themselves, so they adopted the statue of liberty and protested. Now, this protest was for all of the right reasons, but unfortunately, it ended up much like the Boston Massacre . The main reason being was their urge for a democracy. A democracy is a system of government in which citizens have the power. In order for a democracy to properly function, the people must clearly communicated to officials. IN the Declaration of independence, this was made sure to be know. For it was put as, "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of government." This excerpt from document C is saying that when people do not take action, democracy is lost.
The final and most important part of the Declaration of independence is equality.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal." This statement comes before life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the consent of government, so there must be a special reason behind it. That reason being is that it is the most precious right, and holds a sensitive spot in many Americans hearts. In hindsight, equality was the reason behind the American Revolution; the reason they demanded freedom was a result of unfair treatment. After the war was won, the Americans used the Declaration of independence as an open door for things to be altered for the greater good. At first, this statement was followed. In fact many immigrated traveled to America because of how easy people had it. They wanted an opportunity to flea their tough times and start a new life. But as time progressed, the grasp of freedom America once had began to loosen. There was slavery, where mainly African American were considered property. They were sold, separated from their families, and forced to work for an owner. Fortunately the Emancipation Proclamation put a rest to this intolerable act of injustice. As stated earlier, history repeats itself. For women it did. Despite the fact of them supporting soldiers fighting for Americas freedom, they faced inequality. In the late 1840's, roughly 260 women and 40 men gathered for the first of many women's right conventions. As the events grew larger,

so did the realization of how women were treated unequally. On August 18th, 1920 the 19th amendment granted women the right that they wanted the most: the right to vote. You see, equality is the key to everyone's happiness. But America was not allowing themselves a fair shot at this. The wanted to be equal as a country, but could not ensure the same worry-free lives others were apparently entitled to.
In conclusion, the Declaration of independence was a key document for the birth of America. Colonists wanted to make sure that it ensure right that Britain never gave to them: Life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, being able to abolish an unwanted right, having the consent of government, and being equal. Although some may argue for an opposite opinion, Equality is the most important of all of these freedoms. If citizens do not see other as their equal how will we be able to function as one when we are worried about our individual differences?