Declaration of Independence: Main Idea
Declaration of Independence: Main Idea
The King of England is treating the colonies terribly (peep the enclosed list of offenses for reference). Since they are, you know, human beings, the colonists have inherent rights as people, which their government is supposed to protect.
Instead, the British government seems to have given in to the Dark Side and become tyrannical, taking advantage of the colonists without acknowledging their rights or allowing them representation. (Boo; hiss.) So they're saying bye-bye Britain and are going to start their own country, complete with a better government that they create themselves.
In the immortal words of the Von Trapp Family Singers: "So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen good-bye."
Questions
- Looking at the bigger picture, what's the case that Jefferson's making for independence? What is it about the English government's actions that the colonists are against?
- What do you notice about the language of the list of offenses that Jefferson writes? Why do you think he uses those words or phrases?
- Do you think the Declaration is a convincing argument for American independence? Why or why not?
- Which section of the Declaration do you think is the most effective, and why?
Chew On This
Jefferson put that "human rights" bit in a prime position in the Declaration, because otherwise the British government wouldn't have taken the text seriously.
Since the Declaration of Independence wasn't sent to King George III (it was only really written for Americans), the text isn't meant to appeal to, or be considered by, the British.
Quotes
Quote #1
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, 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.
We're going to bet you a Thomas Jefferson-style wig that you've heard these words at least once. (Congrats; you definitely owe us a wig.)
This passage and its meaning have been referenced time and again throughout American history, especially when the question of rights is on the table. It also makes a powerful statement about what government is or should be, and how much control the people being governed have in creating that government.
The notion of government being responsible for the civil rights of its citizens was a pretty radical idea in an age when the vast majority of countries were ruled by one dude who inherited the job from his dad.
Quote #2
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
The Declaration is meant to tell Britain (and the world) why the colonies are declaring—not asking for—independence. Here's the heart of the colonists' argument…and it's a beating, blood-filled heart.
Make sure to check out the negative language Jefferson uses to characterize England's rule—"abuses," "usurpations," and "absolute Despotisms"—and the strong physical language to describe the colonies' actions: "throw off such Government." It seems pretty clear where Jefferson stands on the whole "Britain" situation.
Quote #3
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people... For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent… He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
Jefferson has a long, long list of pretty specific examples of why King George III is on Santa's naughty list. Here are a few, which sum up a number of historical events which led to Declaration, including the takeover of colonial governments, taxation without representation, and military aggressiveness.
Quote #4
They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.
Most of the accusations in the Declaration are very deliberately thrown at King George, but the colonists did reach out to the British people in hopes of earning sympathy for their case. (18th Century spoiler: it didn't work.)
But how do you think the attempt, and Jefferson's mentioning it in the Declaration, affect the colonists' case for independence?
Quote #5
That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.
This is a Declaration of Independence after all, so it would be a shame to not mention the section where the colonies, you know, declare independence. Note that the colonists do not simply say "Woo! We're free!" but also list out what that means practically, which shows that this is not a spontaneous action, but one that has been planned and carefully considered.
Here's a life lesson: it's always good to come to important meetings well-prepared.