The Evolution of the Declaration of Independence In its current form, the Declaration of Independence is not what was originally written. Before the final copy was printed, revisions, additions, and deletions were made. With any writing, revisions are obviously expected to be made; the Declaration of Independence was no exception of course. However, the Declaration is not just any writing; it’s an important piece of history for the United States. The words and ideals expressed in the Declaration have influenced many people who frequently invoke its tenets. Given the context, it’s worthwhile exploring these changes, examining why they were made, whether or not they were more effective than the original print, and the overall evolution of the document. Ultimately, the revisions made to the current Declaration of Independence were justified and needed. Prior to the writing of the Declaration, attempts at reconciliation with Great Britain were still being made. Colonists were not yet ready to officially severe ties with their mother country. In fact, it took a while before people began to even contemplate the idea of declaring and fighting for independence. Even just a few years before the war began the idea of independence would have seemed inconceivable, despite the British Empire’s insistence on centralizing power over the colonies. Nonetheless, efforts at reconciliation were still being made. For example, this was seen with the Olive Branch Petition sent to King George, which the Second Continental Congress approved in a last ditch effort to refrain from engaging in total war. In fact, many wanted to continue to be part of the British Empire as they had regarded themselves as proud Britons who upheld Bri... ... middle of paper ... ...g/stable/1917849 (accessed March 11, 2014). Hazelton, John . "The Declaration of Independence: Its History." The North American Review 184, no. 606 (1907): 91-95 . Armitage , David . "The Declaration of Independence: Its Many Histories." the william and mary quarterly 66, no. 2 (2008): 357-362 . Wills, Garry . "Inventing America: Jefferson's Declaration of Independence." the william and mary quarterly 36, no. 3 (1979): 462-464 . http://www.jstor.org/stable/1943388 (accessed March 11, 2014). Armitage, David . "The Meaning of Independence." the william and mary quarterly 65, no. 2 (2008): 347-349 . http://www.jstor.org/stable/25096788 (accessed March 11, 2014). Armitage, David . "The Declaration's Domestic International Effects." the william and mary quarterly 65, no. 2 (2008): 354-356 . http://www.jstor.org/stable/25096791 (accessed March 11, 2014).
Jefferson, Thomas. "The Declaration of Independence." The McGraw-Hill Reader: Issues Across the Disciplines. 8th edition, Ed. Gilbert H. Muller. New York: McGraw Hill, 2003. 305-308.
The declaration of Independence is an amazing document. It’s authors portrayed their anger, their disappointment, and their dream in a new government through this document. A government meant to protect the people's rights. They manifested this dream. they used logos and pathos along with other forms of rhetoric to show the people the urgency of their situation.
The purpose of this paper is to give a brief chronological accounting of the writing of the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson. A short description of the structure of the Declaration of Independence will be included. The process was relatively fast, from the formation of the committee.
Kutler, Stanley I. "Dictionary of American History." Declaration of Independence 1776. Vol. 10. New York: Charles Scribner Sons, 2003.
(2015). Best Friends: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution | Teaching American History. Teachingamericanhistory.org. Retrieved 27 August 2015, from http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/document/best-friends-the-declaration-of-independence-and-the-constitution/
Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence is one of the most famous influential documents ever produced. The declaration led to the freedom of the Thirteen Colonies which in turn sparked the independence of much of the Western Hemisphere. “When in the course of human events” and the following text are now some of the most recognizable words in all of historical documents.
Jefferson, Thomas. "The Declaration of Independence." Language Matters. Third ed. Southlake: Fountain Head, 2010. 247-50. Print.
In terms of great historical documents, it is hard to argue that the United States Declaration of Independence is perhaps one of the greatest pieces of writing in existence. Many have viewed it as a “grand experiment” and an attempt to create a civilization unlike any that came before it. However, the Declaration of Independence was the culmination of ideas and ideological principles spanning many generations and even after it was drafted, it was far from complete or whole. Interestingly, though, it was not simply an idea that just miraculously generated out of thin air; the building of the “New World” was the result of a great many attempts and failures, many of which provided both positive
Friedenwald, Herbert. The Declaration of Independence: An Interpretation and an Analysis. New York: Da Capo Press, 1974.
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 brought forth in a unanimous act to Declare the thirteen United States of America to become Independent. This was taken place on July 4, 1776 by the Second Continental Congress for the citizens of the United States. It was then published on January 18, 1777. At this time in history, the values, attitudes, and beliefs held within the country are introduced to us the same as our present day because we as a country still base our freedom and ways of life through political terms within the Declaration of Independence. This quote simply portrays how the people at this time felt and today what we follow, “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”.
In the making of the United States, there were many events that are important. This paper intends to highlight a few of those events including; Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation and the Federalist Papers. Many events in America’s history helped to establish the United States as a free and independent country. The Declaration of Independence in particular explains the rights and freedoms that Americans. Each document is like a stepping stones that leads to the next and building upon the pervious document.
Throughout history, only a few documents have changed the way we as a nation view politics and carry out our everyday lives. The document mentioned above was the Declaration of Independence. It changed the course of history because it granted America its freedom from Great Britain. Originally, there was a committee created to compose the document which consisted of John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, Robert R. Livingston, and Thomas Jefferson. After conversing with one another, the committee decided that Thomas Jefferson would be the one to write it with the final approval coming from the other four. After writing it and receiving approval from the committee, Jefferson presented it to the House. What happened here was not what the committee originally expected. Not all of the delegates attending the convention approved the document. However, through compromising for the greater good of the “New Nation” and editing to accommodate everyone’s preferences, the document was finally approved by all thirteen colonies.
Intro: The Declaration of Independence shapes our ideal vision in America by letting every individual have unalienable rights, not having to live under a tyrant, and having equality. These rights are to be protected by one government that is willing to secure these rights for the people. Due to not being responsible towards the people’s happiness, this government will be overthrown and replaced with a new one in which the people will be satisfied with.
Vesterman, William, and Martin Luther King Junior. "The Declaration of Independence." Great Interdisciplinary Ideas: A Reader for Writers. New York: Pearson Longman, 2008. 228. Print.