Reasons for Writing the Declaration of Independence Every July 4, Americans celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but do we really understand why it was written in the first place? The Declaration of Independence, written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 is by far one of the most important historical documents for the United States of America (Stockdale, 2016). In Jefferson 's words, the Declaration was written, "In order to place before mankind the common sense of the matter in terms as plain and simple as to command their assent." The authors of this document addressed the philosophy of natural rights, compiled a lengthy list of grievances towards the King, and let England know that the American Colonists were about to declare themselves an independent nation. They wanted their intentions to be very clear for King George III. …show more content…
The colonists believed that England was wrongfully taxing them in order to pay off the debt that was accrued by the French and Indian War. This issue became widely known as “Taxation without Representation.” Parliament had implemented various acts that taxed the American colonists on tea, stamps, oil, lead, paper, etc. In response to these taxes being imposed on the colonies, a group of colonists called “The Sons of Liberty” rebelled on the evening of December 16, 1773 (Boston Tea Party, 2016). Their rebellion consisted of destroying 342 chests of tea distributed by the East India Company (Boston Tea Party, 2016). The American Colonists accused King George III of tyranny and soon after insisted upon independence from
The Sons of Liberty answered the call. In an act of defiance, “a few dozen of the Sons of Liberty, opposing new British laws in the colonies, systematically dumped three shiploads of tea into Boston harbor. They acted to prevent the royal authorities from collecting taxes on that import” (Bell). This left Parliament infuriated. They did what they only knew how to do and put a tighter squeeze on the colonists.
By this point, the colonists were beginning to question Britain’s motives. They believed they were being treated like slaves and being used solely for the economic growth of Britain. One night, in 1773, the colonists rebelled against these taxes on their tea. A group of men dressed as Native Americans boarded a ship at Boston Harbor and unloaded three vessels of taxed tea (Boston Tea Party). This event, known as the Boston Tea Party, enraged King George III, and inevitably prompted Parliament to pass the Intolerable Acts in 1774....
The Declaration was for the colonists to seek for independence. The quote most widely known is “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.”(Jefferson) The Declaration of Independence was written mostly by Thomas Jefferson who stated the above quote. Like the Declaration of Sentiments, all men are created equal. The Declaration of Independence allows the people to have the right to abolish an proposition that they do not agree with. They also have the right to institute a new government if they do not feel it is not ensuring safety and happiness to everyone; they can vote in a government who will ensure this. It is also the peoples right to throw out a government when laws are abused. Every year on July 4, people in the United States celebrate Independence day, also known as the Fourth of
The Declaration of Independence stands as a representation of justice, equality, and natural human rights. With it being written to liberate the American citizens from British control; allowing the citizens to live freely as they wish - as equal humans. However, there are numerous discrepancies and controversies to this document. Especially in the field of gender-equality and women 's rights. Mary Wollstonecraft, writer of A Vindication of the Rights of Women, is a forerunner of this movement. Comparing her work to the Declaration of Independence, it can be seen that Wollstonecraft 's work can be served as a critique against the masculinity put forth in the Declaration of Independence. With the declaration making numerous remarks with recognition
Thomas Jefferson composed The Declaration of Independence in 1776. The purpose of this document was to explain to both foreign countries and the people of America why separating from England had to happen and to ultimately get them [the people] to agree to a revolution. Thomas Jefferson made The Declaration of Independence a stylistic and artistic masterpiece through his powerful word choice, the use of personification and the sentence structures used throughout the document.
King George continued the Stamp Act, colonies began to boycott British goods and inly buying from other countries. The boycott made British lose money, so George ordered his salesmen to tax in trading ports, this is called the Tea Act. When the taxes weren't removed, some colonists smuggled trea. As the smuggling continued, George sended British troops to Boston. The Sons of Liberty's violence grew twice as much with this, according to Pamela Kline the a plan carried out like this, "100 men including the Sons of Liberty dressed in Indian garbs and armed with axes borded ship." As the night falls to place the colonists who participated began throwing noxes of tea overboard. They weren't allowed to cause harm or do rebellious acts, so the ship
Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence for the American colonists to proclaim freedom from Great Britain's oppressor, King George III. American colonists had been suffering for many years when this important document was drafted. King George III had pushed the colonists into a state of tyranny and most decided it was time to start an independent nation under a different type of government. Jefferson focused his piece toward many audiences. He wanted not only King George III and the British Parliament to know the American's feelings, but also the entire world. The time had come for an immense change amongst the American colonists and Jefferson made sure everyone was aware of it by using his superior strategies of persuasion.
The Declaration of Independence was written to separate the American colonies from Britain, but there were many underlying goals. It was written to state the grievances that the colonists held against the British, particularly the king. The colonists wanted a better economy, a new republican government, but perhaps most of all, they simply wanted their misery to end. This is what they set out to explain in the document. John Adams described it as “a Declaration setting forth the causes which have impelled us to this mighty revolution, and the reasons which will justify it in the sight of God and man” (Friedenwald 182).
When in the course of the household we, the teens, have always had the responsibility of doing the chores around the house.When oneself has to do chores one has to miss out on hanging out with friends, going to the mall, et cetera. Of course we do not wish to be disrespectful toward our parents but it is now time that we write our own Declaration of Independence. It is important that our parents or guardians know how everyone feels about the chores that have been placed on us and why we should be independent.
In Conclusion this Document was written to bring Independence to the United States of America. This document clearly stated the claim and supported it overwhelming good. They continued to give reasoning on why the country was at risk and why they are fighting for their freedom. Every claim made within the document is supported thoroughly by facts from credible educated sources. This document brings to life the citizens of the thirteen states at that time because it was arguing for their freedom. Still to this day we look back at the Declaration of Independence and see it as a back bone to our country’s freedom. Therefore, this is why we celebrate our freedom every 4th of July due to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Two Hundred and thirty-seven years ago one of the most masterful documents in history was created, which is The Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence expressed Thomas Jefferson’s along with the fifty-five American colonists’ vision of revolution towards independence, and a new government pronouncing rupture from Great Britain. In the document, Thomas Jefferson, the author, established that if their government fails to protect their inalienable rights to life, pursuit of happiness and liberty the people have the right to eradicate it. The Declaration of Independence was ratified declaring the United States free and independent on July 4th, 1776. This document was evidently very influentially serious and meaningful as all those men promised to, “Mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” Thus, the Declaration of Independence was a successful document due to Jefferson appealing most effectively through diction, syntax, literary devices and most importantly rhetoric to justify the renouncement from the British Crown.
On July 4th, 1776, America 's most important document in history was announced, "Declaration of Independence". The Declaration of Independence defined America 's prestige, value, and its freedom. It was the document which stated American colonies now did not want to be the part of British property. It is one of the most important days because for the first time in the history of America; it was on its own and stood as a single country. The majority of the Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson which was debated by Congress and made many changes in the original document. One of the major changes made by Congress was removing an attack on the institution of slavery.
During the late 1700s British citizens traveled by boat and explored what we now call the United States of America. King George still claimed that he had power over the colonists in America even though they were separated by the Atlantic Ocean. King George began to send mercenaries to raid, loot, and collect taxes. This led to many repeated pleas that developed into the Declaration of Independence. Amendment two, four, and five are indirectly addressed in the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence became the fundamental building block uniting thirteen British colonies. A document held in high esteem around the world in part because of the great nation it produced. Proclaiming “…that all men are created equal…with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” (Jefferson 493). This document ensured that no matter the circumstance, peoples fundamental rights were not taken away. Solidifying Life, Liberty and Happiness for the people, making them incapable of be repudiated. Giving All Americans access to freedom and equality, from the day they are born. “…the Laws of Nature…entitled them...” (Jefferson 492). No one has the right to give or take freedom. This idea that man owns his destiny bec...
The Declaration of Independence was written in order to clarify and defend the actions of the Continental Congress. Continental Congress wanted to assume the power of an official government. The colonists ' were Englishmen, so they as Englishmen should have the rights of Englishmen. The