It is not a revolution. However, the issue of independence has been long debated. The main topic of discussion was violence as a legal way to gain sovereignty. Revolutions have a general purpose. They aim to redistribute power without or with an element of emancipation. However, not all revolutions are revolutions. This includes the wars in Indonesia and the United States. Additionally, certain revolutions that are primarily about changing the political structure of a state have arisen in breakaway nations.
The revolutions that took place in Russia and China together led to independence for Finland and Mongolia, respectively. There are many reasons that a country/province might wish to become independent. However, the most important is feeling inferior to the dominant powers. Power can be used to cause peaceful protests or even a war. The American Declaration of Independence was more influential than any other document or event in American History. The Declaration of Independence formed the foundation of the country’s founding principles. The Declaration of Independence was an instrument that allowed the colonists freedom from King George’s cruelty. The document was revolutionary in its approach to raising concerns. This made it so impactful. It was unique in America’s history in that it dealt with the liberation of a group. Jefferson’s text, which was not supported by a country of high standing, was highly taboo. Britain had to take on a large debt to finance the war in France during the conflict. Between 1756-1776 Parliament implemented a series of taxes that were levied on colonies. Even though taxes were relatively small, they met with strong colonial opposition on principle. Colonialists were concerned about “taxation without representation” being tyranny. Also, London was increasingly being used to control the colonies.
Colonists felt second-class citizens. Although the Stamp Act was initially accepted by Parliament, the legislature supported oppressive new laws to force colonists conform to them. Soon tensions escalated to the shooting at Lexington and Concord, April 19, 1775 between British troops as well as colonial militia. The majority colonists wanted the British to stay, despite the violence. The colonists began to contemplate independence only after King George III failed the colonists’ demands for a redress of Parliament and their pleas for compromise. In spring 1776, more colonists started to think about independence, encouraged by Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” pamphlet. In the meantime, the ongoing war and rumors regarding a large scale invasion by British troops or German mercenaries dwindled hopes for reconciliation.
Although the issue was discussed privately in the corridors, the Continental Congress did not make the first formal proposal of independence until June 7, 1776. Richard Henry Lee of Virginia, who proposed a resolution insisting that “all political connections are, and should be, dissolved” between Great Britain’s colonies and America’s. However, it was not unanimous. Many delegates wanted a delay in deciding on independence. However, Congress appointed a five-member drafting committee to prepare a declaration of independence. Thomas Jefferson, who is known for his reserved style and eloquent words, became the principal author.
Jefferson sat down at his desk in Philadelphia and wrote a simple, clear, and unambiguous treatise that would be accepted by all people. Some of his ideas and his language were inspired by the Declaration of Rights of George Mason. His ultimate goal was not to express American unity, but an “expression by the American mind against British tyranny.” Jefferson submitted his draft of the Declaration as a rough draft on June 28. The document was eventually approved by Congress, though Congress had to debate the draft for two days before accepting it. Jefferson was not happy with several of the revisions, particularly the removal and insertion of language that is less offensive to Britons. Later years would see Jefferson often providing his original draft for correspondents.
Jefferson was comforted by Benjamin Franklin’s telling of the story of the merchant John Thompson, Hatter who made and sold hats for ready cash.
After a few critical friends raised concerns, the sign simply said, John Thompson’ over a picture of an hat. Congress was pressured by news of British troops lying off New York’s coast, and adopted the Lee resolution of Independence. On July 2, the Declaration of Independence that explained its actions on July 4, also became a reality. The Declaration was immediately published. It was distributed by word-of-mouth throughout July and August. The Declaration rallied support for American Revolution and mobilized resistance towards Britain during times of poor war planning.
The Declaration contains clear and unambiguous statements that support self-government, individual rights, and has been a model for these statements for hundreds of years. It is important today because the Declaration affirms that all Americans believe in equal rights. Today, we all know that the phrase “all men created equal” includes everyone, women, children, of all ages, groups, and races. However, ideas in 1776 were very different. Only white males who were owners of property could vote. Later laws established equal rights for all other groups.
