On July 4, 1776, fifty-six framers signed the document that avowed the beginning of the United States of America. Thomas Jefferson sought to combine the thoughts and ideals of John Locke, Thomas Paine and the American people in the Declaration of Independence. The sharp and intense tone of the document communicates to the British that the colonies loathe being treated as “cash-cows,” and deserve to be treated as a nation. “…[I]t is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it[government], and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and Happiness.” (262)
The citizens of the colonies have suffered abuse from the …show more content…
In committing treason to their mother country, the colonists realized this statement would not be accepted peacefully by the king, who is known as a miserly leader with a strong military. The citizens prepare to give their life away for their country, in which nothing has yet been established. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” …show more content…
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (262) Life stands for the right to practice religion, be safe, and have freedom. Jefferson means choosing one’s own opinion without being influenced (i.e. political freedom) by using the term liberty. Lastly, the pursuit of happiness is the term that has been open to interpretation, since it is a portion of Locke’s rhetoric that has been modified. It might represent property, since some of the first Americans didn’t own land, and sought it as the original “American Dream.”
Personally, it is humbling to read that although they may die, these men and women volunteer to fight for their rights and their country. The declaration is the foundation of the United States of America. It’s emotional to read how Great Britain treated the colonies, how the citizens have mustered the courage to end the heinous behavior from the king, and stand behind their belief that every man is endowed. Every man is equal. That’s a powerful statement made, and without it who knows how much longer it would have taken to get that point across, and who would have written it if not for
The citizens of the colonies have suffered abuse from the …show more content…
In committing treason to their mother country, the colonists realized this statement would not be accepted peacefully by the king, who is known as a miserly leader with a strong military. The citizens prepare to give their life away for their country, in which nothing has yet been established. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” …show more content…
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” (262) Life stands for the right to practice religion, be safe, and have freedom. Jefferson means choosing one’s own opinion without being influenced (i.e. political freedom) by using the term liberty. Lastly, the pursuit of happiness is the term that has been open to interpretation, since it is a portion of Locke’s rhetoric that has been modified. It might represent property, since some of the first Americans didn’t own land, and sought it as the original “American Dream.”
Personally, it is humbling to read that although they may die, these men and women volunteer to fight for their rights and their country. The declaration is the foundation of the United States of America. It’s emotional to read how Great Britain treated the colonies, how the citizens have mustered the courage to end the heinous behavior from the king, and stand behind their belief that every man is endowed. Every man is equal. That’s a powerful statement made, and without it who knows how much longer it would have taken to get that point across, and who would have written it if not for