The Declaration Of Independence Analysis
analytical Essay
1791 words
The Justification for Declaring Independence In 1776 Thomas Jefferson, a founding father of the United States of America, wrote the most significant document in the history of the United States. On behalf of the Continental Congress, Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, which stated the moral and civic duty of the common man, and explained the infringements that the British monarchy had on the colonies, and created a new nation. Thomas Jefferson proved through the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, that the colonies were justified in declaring independence from Great Britain because the colonies economically suffered under the harsh British rule, were blatantly taken advantage of, and the citizens of the colonies were …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas jefferson drafted the declaration of independence, which stated the moral and civic duty of the common man, and explained the infringements that the british monarchy had on the colonies.
- Argues that the colonists were not justified in declaring independence from great britain. staughton lynd, and david waldstreicher believe the colonies were right to declare independence.
- Analyzes how tecumseh, an indian political leader fighting for independence for native americans, wrote a speech to governor william harrison at vincennes that furthers the argument for declaring independence.
- Explains that the colonies' main reason for declaring independence was strictly economic. the trading industry in the sixteenth and seventieth century was the main source of income for the middle class.
- Explains that staughton lynd and david waldstreicher took a new approach to show that the colonies were also justified in declaring independence.
- Analyzes how zuckert argued that england had the right to make money off the colonies because they were the ones who established them. lynd and waldstreicher rebutted this by stating that even the supporters of the king saw the economic unfairness.
- Explains that the colonies were not only economically taken advantage of, but physically as well. being physically oppressed by the ruler plays a large role in the quest for independence.
- Explains that the colonies were denied basic rights in the declaration of independence. jefferson has refused assent to laws, dissolved representative houses, and obstructed the administration of justice.
- Analyzes how george iii dissolved representative houses for 'opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.'
- Explains that david armitage found that more than half of the 192 countries represented at the united nations have a declaration of independence.
- Explains that the colonies were right to declare independence because they were economically drained by the harsh british rule, physically taken advantage of and denied basic rights.
For instance, Michael Zuckert states “The Declaration of Independence adopts a position between that of Socrates in the Republic and that associated with the Enlightenment. According to Socrates, the citizens of the just city must ‘hold’ a lie; the citizens of the Declaration 's regime ‘hold’ the truth, but they hold it in less than a fully enlightened way”(325). Additionally, Amanda Wallace also argues against the colonies declaring independence by stating “Many of the accusations Thomas Jefferson brings against the King are rooted in historical fact, although he also writes in half-truths, omits details deliberately, and uses sweeping generalizations in order to obscure reality and sees Jefferson guilty of oversimplifying complicated issues involving the division of the North American colonies from Great Britain”(1) .In contrast, historians such as Staughton Lynd, and David Waldstreicher, believe the colonies were right to declare independence because they were fundamentally drained economically(599). To further justify the colonies quest for independence, David Armitage a famous historian showed the importance the Declaration of Independence played in the future quest for independence by other countries seeking freedom from their mother country. A small example that he found was “in 1945 the Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh opened his declaration of …show more content…
Jefferson stated in the Declaration of Independence that “He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures” (16). Being physically oppressed by the ruler plays a large role in the quest for independence. We see this in Tecumseh’s Speech to Governor William Harrison at Vincennes but not with public laws, but with the Native American’s land. Tecumseh’s Speech can further prove the point that the colonies were justified because they were facing the same hardships the colonies were and dealt with it the same way Jefferson
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- Argument Analysis - Declaration of Independenceanalytical essayArgument Analysis - Declaration of Independence In May of 1776 a resolution was passed at the Virginia Convention in Williamsburg that asked the thirteen American colonies to declare the United Colonies free and independent from the British crown. At the second continental congress the resolution passed and on June 11, 1776 a five-man committee led by Thomas Jefferson was established to write the Declaration of Independence. On July 4, 1776 the members of the second continental congress signed into existence one of the most influential documents in history. The way that Jefferson structured The Declaration of Independence made the article extremely influential. Jefferson first starts by sharing his belief that governments and monarchies that do not represent the people.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes the declaration of independence, which was signed into existence by the members of the second continental congress in 1776.
- Analyzes how jefferson's structure of the declaration of independence made the article extremely influential.
- Analyzes how thomas jefferson's claims against the king of england were easy to understand and logical. he uses plain language that everyone can understand to point out large injustices done by the king.
- Explains that jefferson's arguments are persuasive because he is credible and respected amongst the delegates of the colonies and the citizens of colonies.
- Analyzes how jefferson never takes a negative attitude throughout the article. he simply states the facts, supports them, and moves on to his next point.
- Explains that thomas jefferson's declaration of independence is one of the most influential documents ever produced.
765 wordsRead More - The Declaration of Independenceanalytical essayThomas 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.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas jefferson wrote the declaration of independence for the american colonists to proclaim freedom from great britain's oppressor, king george iii.
- Analyzes how the declaration of independence is focused on king george iii and the british parliament. jefferson wanted them to understand the reasoning behind the american's decision of independence.
- Analyzes how jefferson used factual evidence to support his argument. he wanted others to feel the pain and suffering that haunted the americans and share similar morals.
- Analyzes how jefferson explains the need for separation between great britain and the american territory in the declaration of independence.
- Concludes that the declaration of independence is an important document in the history of the united states. jefferson persuaded humanity that it was time for the american colonists to prevail against great britain.
702 wordsRead More - Artistry Of The Declaration Of Independence Analysisanalytical essayArtistry of the Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson, born in 1743, was one of the credible founding fathers of the United States. The United States was founded on July 4, 1776. He served as a minister to France, Secretary of State in President George Washington’s cabinet, vice president, and president of the United States for two terms (Kirszner 679). Jefferson’s argument is when a government or ruler goes against the wishes of the people; they can upraise and create a new government. Jefferson outlines all the mental and physical abuses King George III has imposed on the people of the colonies.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes thomas jefferson's argument that all men are created equal, and have a right to self-government.
- Explains thomas jefferson's argument to state the reasons the british colonies of north america sought independence in july of 1776.
- Analyzes how 's extensive opening sentence is an allusion that shows the readers a possible future of america.
- Analyzes how jefferson uses many artistic and stylistic techniques throughout his argument. aristotle's persuasion methods appeal to most readers. jefferson establishes a tone of rationality and respect before the reasons for the parting.
- Analyzes how pathos, the second component of aristotle's pattern, is based on emotion and belief.
- Explains that logos, the third component of aristotle's pattern, is centered on logic. jefferson states an extensive list of king george’s iii defilements and the american colonies’ rights.
- Explains that jefferson owned over six hundred slaves in his life. he obtained approximately one hundred seventy-five through inheritance.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was a good master to all of his slaves by not beating them with whips and other retaliations.
- Opines that thomas jefferson was successful in declaring that the united states of america is, and of right ought to be free and independent states.
1035 wordsRead More - Thomas Jefferson's Role In The House Of Burgessesexplanatory essayBoundless (2015), a website about the importance of the Second Continental Congress, states, “The Second Continental Congress was a convention of delegates from the Thirteen Colonies that formed in Philadelphia in May 1775, soon after the launch of the American Revolutionary War.” Jefferson was elected to Congress and placed on a team of five men including Ben Franklin, Roger Sherman, John Adams, Robert Livingston, all put in charge of writing the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was chosen to be the main author of the Declaration, primarily because of his famed writing abilities as shown in his writing of the document; A Summary View of the Rights of British America. “He [Thomas Jefferson] was too anti-British to be made use of until a total break with Great Britain had become inevitable. Then he was entrusted with drafting the Declaration of Independence,” (Virginia Historical Society) proving just how motivated Jefferson was for liberty. Jefferson was so motivated that those around him placed him in charge of writing the document that would announce the colonies’ freedom from Great Britain, a document that became the living voice of American independence. The Second Continental Congress was a huge part of America’s freedom because of their
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the revolutionary war is viewed by many as the turning point for american independence. thomas jefferson gained much of his fame and made the most contribution to our country's freedom from his work, the declaration of independence.
- Explains that the house of burgesses was a small, but important factor in thomas jefferson's contribution during the revolutionary war.
- Explains that jefferson's involvement in the virginia legislature led to a spotlight that eventually attracted the continental congress, where the beginning of his contribution to the founding father would begin.
- Explains that the second continental congress was a convention of delegates from the thirteen colonies formed in philadelphia in may 1775, shortly after the launch of the american revolutionary war.
- Explains that thomas jefferson contributed to the declaration of independence, virginia statute for religious freedom, and a summary view of the rights of british america during the revolutionary war.
969 wordsRead More - Declaration Of Independence Analysisanalytical essayThe Declaration of Independence and Mississippi were written during two different wars in the American history. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson during the Revolutionary War. He wrote about the people’s rights and freedom from the British. The British ignored them, and the colonists took action and warned the British from time to time. Mississippi was written as different version of the The Declaration of Independence, but Mississippi explains that people want to keep slavery and they also want to be away from the Union during the Civil War. These documents show their similarity with purpose and structure, but Declaration of Independence is more successful in levels of author’s tone, audience awareness, formal
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the declaration of independence and mississippi were written during two different wars in american history. jefferson wrote about the people's rights and freedom from the british.
- Explains that both documents have a common purpose and structure, which is important because mississippi takes the idea from the declaration of independence.
- Analyzes how tone shows 's attitude from the article or document, and the tones are proven by how the document is worded. jefferson stated, "...as we hold the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends."
- Analyzes how the declaration of independence tried to get attention to the world to understand the purpose of their document.
- Analyzes how the declaration of independence is more formal and detailed as it is reasonable.
- Concludes that the declaration of independence was more effective with tone, audience, and language. jefferson was able to persuade his audience to understand the conflict, while mississippi tried to follow the
913 wordsRead More - Thomas Paine Declaration Of Independence Analysisanalytical essaySix months before the Declaration of Independence is written in 1776, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is published, causing a substantial amount of colonists to rebel against the British once and for all. This radical document doesn’t just sell 120,000 in a few months, it changes colonists’ thoughts and outlook regarding the British monarchy, and ultimately pushes the colonies towards independence from Great Britain. His pamphlet starts with a more hypothetical approach about government and religion, then transforms into the detailed problems between Britain and its colonies.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how paine's common sense changed colonists' thoughts and outlook regarding the british monarchy and ultimately pushes the colonies towards independence from great britain.
- Analyzes how paine demonstrates how society is about people coming together and making decisions based on the good of the nation, while government is a necessary evil whose main purpose is to protect our life, liberty, and property.
- Analyzes how paine uses the power of religion to persuade readers. he describes the story of the ancient jews being the first people to bring in a king.
- Analyzes how paine argues that britain's only reason for maintaining a relationship is to use the colonies for personal benefit, like keeping their economy strong and prosperous.
- Analyzes how paine creates mental pictures with his writing that allow colonists to see that a revolution is real and america would prosper.
- Analyzes how paine's quote gives the reader a real-life situation that every common citizen stumbles upon at some point.
- Analyzes how john adams anonymously publishes thoughts on government which argues the government structure of the new nation.
- Opines that paine's 5pamphlet was an attempt to persuade the people in the colonies to choose democratic policies when creating the american government.
- Analyzes how paine was effective because he didn't follow the normal style of writing. he wrote with emotion and ferocity towards england, directly denouncing king george iii and parliament.
1621 wordsRead More - Interpretation Of The Declaration Of Independenceanalytical essayThe major political leaders through American history have all had a slightly different interpretation of the Declaration of Independence. Although all agreeing that the declaration is our most important American document, many of our political leaders had different views of how our declaration should be interpreted and how we should put it into action. Three major political leaders in American history that had different interpretations of the constitution were Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King Jr. in their major speeches that they gave. Specifically, they used the treatment of men and the “all men are created equal clause” in an effort to execute their intended cause.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that abraham lincoln, franklin d. roosevelt, and martin luther king jr. had different interpretations of the declaration of independence.
- Analyzes how lincoln urged his nation to continue the war effort and fight for equality for all in america. instead of quoting the declaration of independence directly, lincoln chose to paraphrase.
- Analyzes how lincoln's paraphrase turns the "all men are created equal" clause into the proposition instead of the axiom.
- Analyzes how franklin d. roosevelt used the declaration of independence to fight for the political and natural rights of americans.
- Analyzes how martin luther king jr.'s "i have a dream" speech was given on the steps of the lincoln memorial in 1963, when race tensions were at an all-time high in the us.
- Analyzes how roosevelt's modern view of liberalism was a new idea that american government had not seen in its history.
- Opines that the "all men are created equal" clause of the declaration will have a different meaning to our political leaders for the rest of american history.
1147 wordsRead More - America has a plethora of achievements to be proud of weather it is marriage equality, our troops, freedom of religion , or even just the fact you can call yourself American. While those are just a few reasons America has made such a name for ourselves. Another reason takes us back a few years to the making of The Declaration of Independence. A document known to many and a huge part to our independence today. Without the knowledge and effort of five important men it would not be here today.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that america has a plethora of achievements to be proud of whether it is marriage equality, our troops, freedom of religion, or even just the fact you can call yourself american.
- Opines that the fourth of july is a day of freedom and respect to our country. but what if this day never came about?
- Explains that independence day came about after colonies declared their independence from great britain in 1776, shortly after the outbreak of the american revolution.
- Explains that the declaration of independence was written to explain why the colonists had a right to revolt against and become independent from england.
- Explains that the declaration of independence was remarkable for its account of specific grievances the colonists had with the british government, including complaints about unfair taxation, dissolving local governmental bodies without cause, endemic corruption of judges and other officials of the crown.
- Analyzes how the declaration states that "all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, among which are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
721 wordsRead More - Declaration Of Independence Analysisopinionated essayIn a political sense, there was no other option than to remove the slavery passage from the Declaration of Independance. A majority of congress had to agree so they could show the King that the colonies were unified and powerful, and the only way that that could have worked was removing the savery passage. To be able become a separate nation they didn’t just need all the colonies to agree they needed all the manpower they could to even have a chance of winning a war. Furthermore, slavery was so important not only to the Southern colonies but also the merchants in the north, that they refused to agree upon the declaration of Independence until it was removed. Even though removing the passage meant the Americans look like hypocrites, freedom
In this essay, the author
- Opines that jefferson's only real choice was to remove the slavery passage from the declaration of independence and gain the help of the south.
233 wordsRead More - Thomas Jefferson Declaration Of Independence Analysisexplanatory essayIndependance. Jefferson realized that it made no sense to base a new nation on the principle of
In this essay, the author
- Explains that thomas jefferson never mentioned slavery in the final draft of the declaration of independence. jefferson realized that it made no sense to base a new nation on the principle of "liberty and equality for all."
- Explains that abraham lincoln and the anti-slavery republican party wanted to abolish slavery but merely to stop its extension into new territories and states in the american west.
- Describes how hopkins became the leader of the anti-slavery movement in philadelphia. he used his position as an aminister of first congregational church of newport to preach against slavery.
225 wordsRead More