Declaration Of Independence

The Declaration of independence- the founding document of our country, and many modeled after it. The Declaration promises and represents freedom, democracy, and unity. Writing the Declaration was a scandalous project, as was ratifying it. Ratifying the Declaration meant leaving Britain, freedom, but also treason, which was punishable by death. An image far from what the settlers had when they came to this country in 1607. In 1607, few settlers would have would have predicted that by 1776 a revolution would be unfolding in America, much less a war. The reasons seemed lacking, to the British, as the rebellion slowly kindled. It was not as if the colonies were in a state of decline, rather, they were relatively prosperous; they raised …show more content…
It began with the Sugar Act, which limited trade with other countries and forced them to pay to trade with England. Consequently limiting America’s success with selling crops and forming alliances through trade. This provided the first seeds of rebellion within the hearts of the Colonists, the sugar act made the Americans feel as if they had been restricted from their sense of justice. Following this act was the Stamp act, this act required payment of taxes for each piece of paper used, as well as an official seal.The Stamp Act generated the first wave of significant colonial resistance, as well the radical group the Sons of Liberty. The settlers, who had up until then had been peaceful, rallied and had a law passed which denied Parliament’s right to tax the colonies under the Stamp Act. The Stamp Act was repealed, but brought about the Townshend Act. The Townshend took away all other taxes except for the one on tea, at first, the settlers were satisfied, this act showed that the British were willing to co-operate. Then settlers became angry, they asked for no taxes, it was unfair for a country so far away to tax them, this would later become the reason the famous Boston Tea Party was staged. In 1765 the Quartering Act was imposed, this act forced the Americans to shelter soldiers, this act …show more content…
“Men being, as has been said, by nature all free, equal, and independent, no one can be be put out of this estate, and subjected to the political power of another, without his own consent,” a small but powerful verse written by John Locke in “What makes A Government Legitimate.” It brings up an important and logical point, all men are free and equal, and cannot be ruled without their consent. Yet, Britain is ruled by a King, so, in America’s eye, it is an illegitimate government. An unfair one, where the people do not have a say, but are ruled under a tyrant simply becomes of the blood in his veins. “The only way whereby anyone divests himself of his natural liberty, and puts it in the bond of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to join and unite into a community....they are hereby presently incorporated, and make one body politic.” A body politic, leaders chosen by the people to decide matters for the sake of the represented people, to keep the people comfortable, safe, and