Interpretation and Information on The Declaration of Independance

The Declaration of Independence

By: Thomas Jefferson

Location: United States

Principle participants: Thomas Jefferson, the king of Britain, and John Locke

The declaration of independence begins by saying why the colonies have overthrown their ruler and preferred to take their place as a separate nation. All men are created equal and there are rights that the government should never go against. These rights include the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. When a government fails to care for those rights, it is the duty of the people to bring that government down. After that, the people should set up a government that will protect those rights. Governments are rarely overthrown, and should not be overthrown for unimportant reasons. In this case, many abuses have led the colonists to overthrow an oppressive government. King George III of Great Britain is guilty of 27 particular abuses. The King interfered with the colonists’ right to govern themselves and for a fair court system. The King also set up legislation without their approval that affected the colonies. This legislation put taxes on the colonists. It also required them to house British soldiers, removed their right to trial by jury, and disallowed them to trade freely. In addition, the King and Parliament are guilty of destruction of American life and property by their rejection to protect the colonies, their taking away of American ships at sea, and their objective to hire foreign mercenaries to fight against the colonists. The colonial governments tried to reach a peaceful settlement of these differences with Great Britain, but were repeatedly ignored. Colonists who petitioned to British citizens were overlooked, despite their shared common heritage and their moral reason. After many peaceful attempts, the colonists have no choice but to declare independence from Great Britain. The new nation will be called the United States of America and will have no more connections with Great Britain. The new government will keep the right to declare war, make peace, make alliances with foreign nations, trade, and do anything else that nations do.

Key Events: The signing of the declaration of independence.

Historical Significance: This was the document that separated the US from Great Britain.

Personal reaction/Evaluation: The Declaration is well written and convincing.