1. Declaration of Independence

2. Question
“In just 1,337 words, the Declaration of Independence altered the course of history. Written in 1776, it is the most profound document in the history of government since the Magna Carta.” What, if anything, do you think is profound about the Declaration?

3. Sub-Questions
The Declaration claims that some rights are “unalienable.” What does this mean, and do you agree with this idea? Why or why not?
Under what circumstances does the Declaration justify a right of revolution? Do you agree with the justification? Why or why not?

4. Terms Profound Unalienable (adjective) From Latin profundus
Showing great knowledge/insight
Unalienable (adjective)
Not capable of being given or taken away
Modifies rights
Authority, power, privilege, prerogative
Life, Liberty, Happiness

5. REVOLUTION Overthrow of political system
Radical change in social structure
Complete turn in a circle

6. Magna Carta June 1215 Medieval document
Unsuccessful peace treaty between nobles and king
Tax revolt in response to foreign policy failures in France
Nobles claimed violations of custom and feudal law, especially uses of judicial process
Emphasized importance of rule of law

7. . . .Our Declaration boldly makes the case that we cannot have freedom as individuals without equality among us as a people.
If we read the Declaration of Independence slowly and carefully, Danielle Allen believes, then the document can become a basic primer for our democracy. It can be something that all of us—not just scholars and educated elites but common ordinary people—can participate in, and should participate in if we want to be good democratic citizens.
Review by Gordon Wood

8. British Colonies 1700s: First successful English colonies
Crown charters
Governors mostly appointed by Crown
One legislative branch locally elected
Largely self-governing except for trade

9. Colonial Diversity Time of settlement Geography
New England
Middle
Southern
Religions: E.g., Anglican, Congregational, Catholic, Jew, Dutch Calvinist, German Reformed pietist, Presbyterians, Baptist, Quaker, Puritan, many Native & African beliefs
Languages
Wealth

10. British Colonial Policy before 1763
Colonies will flourish with fewest restrictions
Colonial self-governance allowed
British law not strictly enforced
Trade rules lax
1775: Edmond Burke describes as “salutary neglect”

11. : French & Indian War Britain attacks French possessions in N. America Leads to European war, : Crown converts all charters to Royal Charters Goal: consolidate power in colonies Prohibits colonists from moving west of Appalachian Mountains; troops sent to enforce; Quartering Act Tax colonists to pay for massive war debt—e.g., Stamp/Sugar Acts

12. First Continental Congress, 1774
Secret
One colony, one vote
Unanimity required
Adopted Declaration & Resolves
Sent list of grievances to King George
Emphasized grievances in Massachusetts Declaration of Rights & Grievances (October 14, 1774)
Pennsylvania conciliatory
Resolved, 1. That they are entitled to life, liberty and property: and they have never ceded to any foreign power whatever, a right to dispose of either without their consent.
Resolved, 2. That our ancestors, who first settled these colonies, were at the time of their emigration from the mother country, entitled to all the rights, liberties, and immunities of free and natural- born subjects, within the realm of England.
Resolved, 3. That by such emigration they by no means forfeited, surrendered, or lost any of those rights, but that they were, and their descendants now are, entitled to the exercise and enjoyment of all such of them, as their local and other circumstances enable them to exercise and enjoy.
Resolved, 4. That the foundation of English liberty, and of all free government, is a right in the people to participate in their legislative council: and as the English colonists are not represented, and from their local and other circumstances, cannot properly be represented in the British parliament, they are entitled to a free and exclusive power of legislation in their several provincial legislatures, where their right of representation can alone be preserved, in all cases of taxation and internal polity, subject only to the negative of their sovereign, in such manner as has been heretofore used and accustomed: But, from the necessity of the case, and a regard to the mutual interest of both countries, we cheerfully consent to the operation of such acts of the British parliament, as are bonfide, restrained to the regulation of our external commerce, for the purpose of securing the commercial advantages of the whole empire to the mother country, and the commercial benefits of its respective members; excluding every idea of taxation internal or external, for raising a revenue on the subjects, in America, without their consent.
Resolved, 5. That the respective colonies are entitled to the common law of England, and more especially to the great and inestimable privilege of being tried by their peers of the vicinage, according to the course of that law.
Resolved, 6. That they are entitled to the benefit of such of the English statutes, as existed at the time of their colonization; and which they have, by experience, respectively found to be applicable to their several local and other circumstances.
Resolved, 7. That these, his Majesty's colonies, are likewise entitled to all the immunities and privileges granted and confirmed to them by royal charters, or secured by their several codes of provincial laws.
Resolved, 8. That they have a right peaceably to assemble, consider of their grievances, and petition the king; and that all prosecutions, prohibitory proclamations, and commitments for the same, are illegal.
Resolved, 9. That the keeping a standing army in these colonies, in times of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony, in which such army is kept, is against law.
Resolved, 10. It is indispensably necessary to good government, and rendered essential by the English constitution, that the constituent branches of the legislature be independent of each other; that, therefore, the exercise of legislative power in several colonies, by a council appointed, during pleasure, by the crown, is unconstitutional, dangerous and destructive to the freedom of American legislation.
All and each of which the aforesaid deputies, in behalf of themselves, and their constituents, do claim, demand, and insist on, as their indubitable rights and liberties, which cannot be legally taken from them, altered or abridged by any power whatever, without their own consent, by their representatives in their several provincial legislature.
In the course of our inquiry, we find many infringements and violations of the foregoing rights, which, from an ardent desire, that harmony and mutual intercourse of affection and interest may be restored, we pass over for the present, and proceed to state such acts and measures as have been adopted since the last war, which demonstrate a system formed to enslave America.
Resolved, That the following acts of parliament are infringements and violations of the rights of the colonists; and that the repeal of them is essentially necessary, in order to restore harmony between Great Britain and the American colonies, viz.
The several acts of Geo. III. ch. 15, and ch Geo. III. ch Geo. ch Geo.III. ch. 41 and ch Geo. III. ch. 22. which impose duties for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, extend the power of the admiralty courts beyond their ancient limits, deprive the American subject of trial by jury, authorize the judges certificate to indemnify the prosecutor from damages, that he might otherwise be liable to, requiring oppressive security from a claimant of ships and goods seized, before he shall be allowed to defend his property, and are subversive of American rights.
Also 12 Geo. III. ch. 24, intituled, "An act for the better securing his majesty's dockyards, magazines, ships, ammunition, and stores," which declares a new offence in America, and deprives the American subject of a constitutional trial by jury of the vicinage, by authorizing the trial of any person, charged with the committing any offence described in the said act, out of the realm, to be indicted and tried for the same in any shire or county within the realm.
Also the three acts passed in the last session of parliament, for stopping the port and blocking up the harbour of Boston, for altering the charter and government of Massachusetts-Bay, and that which is entitled, "An act for the better administration of justice, etc."
Also the act passed in the same session for establishing the Roman Catholic religion, in the province of Quebec, abolishing the equitable system of English laws, and erecting a tyranny there, to the great danger (from so total a dissimilarity of religion, law and government) of the neighboring British colonies, by the assistance of whose blood and treasure the said country was conquered from France.
Also the act passed in the same session, for the better providing suitable quarters for officers and soldiers in his majesty's service, in North-America.
Also, that the keeping a standing army in several of these colonies, in time of peace, without the consent of the legislature of that colony, in which such army is kept, is against law.
To these grievous acts and measures, Americans cannot submit, but in hopes their fellow subjects in Great Britain will, on a revision of them, restore us to that state, in which both countries found happiness and prosperity, we have for the present, only resolved to pursue the following peaceable measures: 1. To enter into a non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation agreement or association. 2. To prepare an address to the people of Great-Britain, and a memorial to the inhabitants of British America: and 3. To prepare a loyal address to his majesty, agreeable to resolutions already entered into.

13. Continental Association 1774
Created to implement trade boycott against Gt. Britain (including slaves) in response to Coercive Acts after Boston Tea Party
Goal: Force Gt. Britain to redress colonial grievances
The Coercive Acts consisted of four statutes: The Boston Port Act closed the port of Boston to all colonists until damages from the Boston Tea Party were paid. The Massachusetts Government Act gave the British government total control of town meetings, taking all decisions out of the hands of the colonists. The Administration of Justice Act made British officials immune to criminal prosecution in America. The Quartering Act required colonists to house and quarter British troops on demand, including in private homes if needed.

14. Second Continental Congress 1775
Created Continental Army
Established national currency
Created Post Office

15. George III
American subjects in “open and avowed rebellion” and out of British protection
Parliament declared all American sea-going vessels/cargo property of Gt. Britain

16. Common Sense January 1776 Published anonymously
   
Common Sense January 1776
Published anonymously
Stated argument for independence
Credited with sparking independence
                                              

17. Paine’s Approach Short, simple, clear sentences No classical allusions
Britain no longer protecting colonies
If no revolution, problems will re-emerge
Frequent Biblical references
Monarchy originates from sin
God and Bible condemn monarchy
Empowerment of ordinary people
Emphasis on human equality

18. May 1, 1776 Opponents of independence, led by John
Dickenson, take over Pennsylvania
legislature in special election

19. Rhode Island first colony to declare independence
May 4
Rhode Island first colony to declare independence
More than 90 colonial/local declarations before July 2

20. May 10 Led by John Adams, Congress calls on colonies to adopt new
Governments
“Whereas his Britannic Majesty, in conjunction with the lords and commons of Great Britain, has, by a late act of Parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of his crown; And whereas, no answer, whatever, to the humble petitions of the colonies for redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain, has been or is likely to be given; but, the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colonies; And whereas, it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and good Conscience, for the people of these colonies now to take the oaths and affirmations necessary for the support of any government under the crown of Great Britain, and it is necessary that the exercise of every kind of authority under the said crown should be totally suppressed, and all the powers of government exerted, under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preservation of internal peace, virtue, and good order, as well as for the defense of their lives, liberties, and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies; therefore, resolved, &c. . .”

21. June 7: Continental Congress
Richard Henry Lee (Virginia) :
"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."
Action postponed, but committee appointed

22. June 11: Committee of five to draft statement supporting independence
Adams, Franklin, Jefferson, Livingston, Sherman
Jefferson primary drafter
Adams and Franklin edited
Adams = Massachusetts, Jefferson = Virginia, Franklin = Pennsylvania, Sherman = Connecticut, Livingston = New York

23. June 12, Virginia Declaration of Rights
Drafted by George Mason
Sixteen articles
Affirmed rights to life, liberty, property
Modeled after English Bill of Rights, 1689
Constitution, July 29 (Jefferson wrote preamble)
Jefferson’s Preamble:
Whereas George Guelf king of Great Britain and Ireland and Elector of Hanover, heretofore entrusted with the exercise of the kingly office in this government hath endeavored to pervert the same into a detestable and insupportable tyranny;
by putting his negative on laws the most wholesome & necessary for ye public good; by denying to his governors permission to pass laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operations for his assent, and, when so suspended, neglecting to attend to them for many years; by refusing to pass certain other laws, unless the person to be benefited by them would relinquish the inestimable right of representation in the legislature by dissolving legislative assemblies repeatedly and continually for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people; when dissolved, by refusing to call others for a long space of time, thereby leaving the political system without any legislative head; by endeavoring to prevent the population of our country, & for that purpose obstructing the laws for the naturalization of foreigners & raising the condition lacking appropriations of lands; by keeping among us, in times of peace, standing armies and ships of war; lacking to render the military independent of & superior to the civil power; by combining with others to subject us to a foreign jurisdiction, giving his assent to their pretended acts of legislation. for quartering large bodies of troops among us; for cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; for imposing taxes on us without our consent; for depriving us of the benefits of trial by jury; for transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences; and for suspending our own legislatures & declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever; by plundering our seas, ravaging our coasts, burning our towns and destroying the lives of our people; by inciting insurrections of our fellow subjects with the allurements of forfeiture & confiscation; by prompting our negroes to rise in arms among us; those very negroes whom *he hath from time to time* by an inhuman use of his negative he hath refused permission to exclude by law; by endeavoring to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers the merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes, & conditions of existence; by transporting at this time a large army of foreign mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolation & tyranny already begun with circumstances of cruelty & perfidy so unworthy the head of a civilized nation; by answering our repeated petitions for redress with a repetition of injuries; and finally by abandoning the helm of government and declaring us out of his allegiance & protection; by which several acts of misrule the said George Guelf has forfeited the kingly office and has rendered it necessary for the preservation of the people that he should be immediately deposed from the same, and divested of all its privileges, powers, & prerogatives: And forasmuch as the public liberty may be more certainly secured by abolishing an office which all experience hath shewn to be inveterately inimical thereto *or which* and it will thereupon become further necessary to re-establish such ancient principles as are friendly to the rights of the people and to declare certain others which may co-operate with and fortify the same in future.
Be it therefore enacted by the authority of the people that the said, George Guelf be, and he hereby is deposed from the kingly office within this government and absolutely divested of all it's rights, powers, and prerogatives: and that he and his descendants and all persons acting by or through him, and all other persons whatsoever shall be and forever remain incapable of the same: and that the said office shall henceforth cease and never more either in name or substance be re-established within this colony.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that the following fundamental laws and principles of government shall henceforth be established.
The Legislative, Executive and Judiciary offices shall be kept forever separate; no person exercising the one shall be capable of appointment to the others, or to either of them.

24. Committee presented draft to Congress, June 28 John Trumbull painting

25. July 1 Lee renewed motion for independence Delaware delegation tied
Opposed:
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
New York

26. July 2 Independence Approved
                                                            
Robert Morris and John Dickenson (Pennsylvania) absented selves
South Carolina switched
New York abstained (N.Y. Provisional Congress authorized “yes” July 9)

27. Caesar Rodney arrived from Delaware to
break delegation’s tie vote

28. July 2-4 Committee of Whole of Congress debated/edited
No record of debates or amendments
Approved late July 4
Sent for engrossing July 19
Hancock signed; others followed later

29. Printed Versions
John Dunlap, Timothy Matlack, Mary Katherine Goddard All make stylistic changes E.g., insert a dash or period after “pursuit of happiness” Capitalization changes

30. Reading the Declaration
Introduction
Preamble
Indictment
Denunciation of British brethren
Conclusion

31. Some ideas from ancient thought
Duties to others
Exercising prudence in political affairs
Emphasis on needs of community
Some ideas from Enlightenment (mid-1600s to mid-1700s)
Revolutions in science, philosophy, society, politics, culminating in French Revolution
Swept away medieval thinking
Shifted emphasis to individual

32. State Constitutions
Reflected natural rights principles of Declaration
New York: Incorporated Declaration as Preamble
Virginia/Pennsylvania
That all men are born equally free and independent, and have certain natural, inherent and inalienable rights, amongst which are, the enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety
Oregon Constitution: Section 1. Natural rights inherent in people. We declare that all men, when they form a social compact are equal in right: that all power is inherent in the people, and all free governments are founded on their authority, and instituted for their peace, safety, and happiness; and they have at all times a right to alter, reform, or abolish the government in such manner as they may think proper.—

33. Constitutional Convention 1787
June 19: James Wilson reads Declaration for proposition states not really independent of each other

34. Thomas Jefferson 1819 “The Declaration of Independence...[is the]
declaratory charter of our rights, and of the
rights of man.”

35. John C. Calhoun 1848 South Carolina Senator
Declaration’s Preamble “glittering and sounding generalities”
Preamble “no necessary part of our justification in separating from the parent country, and declaring ourselves independent.”

36. Lincoln-Douglas Debates 1858
           
Lincoln-Douglas Debates 1858
Lincoln: “never had a feeling politically that did not spring from the sentiments embodied in the Declaration of Independence”
Douglas: Declaration not meant to apply to non-whites: "This Government was made by our fathers on the white basis ... made by white men for the benefit of white men and their posterity forever"

37. Gettysburg Address 1863 “Four score and seven years ago our fathers
brought forth on this continent, a new nation,
conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the
proposition that all men are created equal.”

38. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 2008
“The Declaration of Independence was the promise; the Constitution was the fulfillment.”

39. Allen: Facets of Equality in Declaration
1. Colonists’ assertion new states equal to other powers on earth.
2. “All men are created equal” means each person is the judge of his or her own happiness with respect to political power.
3. Each person, however common, contributes to the collective knowledge of the community.
4. Importance of reciprocity or mutual responsiveness to achieving the conditions of freedom.
Everyone has an equal stake in the creation of the political order.
(interview with Allen)

40. Pauline Maier, American Scripture
          
Carl Becker, The Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas
Stephen E. Lucas “Stylistic Artistry of the Declaration of Independence”