Essay+2

Great Britain in the 1700’s was a country that very much believed in mercantilism. The colonies they established in America could support their trade in increased imports and exports and ultimately, their wealth. This plan worked because colonists were left fairly undisturbed to establish themselves and their colonies in the new country. However, with the French and Indian war that began in 1754, life for these colonies in America was about to change. With their mother nation quickly gaining debt from the war, the colonies were faced with laws and ever increasing restrictions on how they could live their lives in America. For instance, parliament passed the Royal Proclamation of 1763, the Sugar Act in 1764, the Quartering Act of 1765, and other acts that ultimately lead to the Tea Act of 1773; the last straw for the American colonists. The Boston Tea Party was the first act of revolt towards their mother nation and with the passing of the Intolerable Acts, colonies began their own united response to Great Britain. The following drafts would soon become what we know in American history today to be the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence is a document that throughout time has evolved with our nation through multiple interpretations. The 4th of July speech given by Frederick Douglass in 1852 was a public address to the nation about the Declaration of Independence and how he believed the document only granted the whites their freedom and independence. Along with Frederick Douglass’s ideas are that of the former president Abraham Lincoln who gave his State of the Union Address on Dec 1, 1862. In his speech, he evoked similar ideas as the Declaration of Independence. In addition to this, he gave his own ideas to better address the issues of our nation at the time. Most recently in American history, the current president Barack Obama gave his Inaugural Address in 2009. His speech, even today, referenced some of the same ideas that the founding fathers focused on in the Declaration of Independence. This one document has held significance for centuries and in a way, has been re-writing our country’s history since it was originally crafted in 1776. Without the recognition of this document and the different interpretations from leaders in history, we are a people with less self-awareness for the country we live in, how it came to be, and where that one central document can take us in the future.

The words and rhetoric used to create the Declaration of Independence largely come from the perspectives of the founding fathers which ultimately determined what was going to be said and its true meaning. Amongst the five male writers, the most prominent and influential was Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson, a 33 year old Virginia native at the time, was a large plantation and slave owner who was very highly educated for his time. The founding father’s words are implemented in the Declaration of Independence which showcased many revolutionary ideas such as “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” It also spoke out against future systems of government and directly referenced Great Britain by saying, “whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it.” All of their ideas acted as the foundation for the new country; although great on paper, their influence could only go so far when put into reality.

The reality of America in the late 1700’s showed a nation divided by slavery. Frederick Douglass, was born into slavery in the early 1800’s with little to no knowledge about himself or his family. He fled from slavery in 1838 and became a major anti-slavery force by speaking at conventions and eventually even becoming consultant to president Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War. However, all of his success was not without challenge. In his Fourth of July speech in 1862 he gave evidence of the limitations of the Declaration of Independence and its lack of protection for the freedoms of anyone beyond white men. He even began his speech by saying “Do you mean, citizens, to mock me, by asking me to speak today?” His speech was a large call for reform, not so different from what the writers of the Declaration had in mind when they wrote it. Yet, by clearly explaining all the ways that the Fourth of July was “yours, not mine,” he made it clear to his audience that his purpose was to show the nations flaws. Then, towards the end of his speech he commends the declaration with: “I have said that the Declaration of Independence is the ring-bolt to the chain of your nation’s destiny; so, indeed, I regard it. The principles contained in that instrument are saving principles. Stand by those principles, be true to them on all occasions, in all places, against all foes, and at whatever cost.” While he agrees with the message of the Declaration it is hard to argue against the facts he gives in his speech. The Declaration of Independence is a huge, evolutionary idea that although limited, has still kept its influence throughout our nations history.

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th president of the United States, born in the era of the declaration. From humble beginnings, he lived in a log cabin, went to school and earned an education but faced trials with constantly moving around in addition to the passing of his mother at an early age. Living in New Salem he joined a debate team and began to develop himself as a public speaker. Once elected into office in 1862, he gave his State of the Union Address. In this speech, his true concerns became evident when he began to address the issue of slavery, reform, and emancipation of slaves. “I beg to repeat: One section of our country believes slavery is right and ought to be extended, while the other believes it is wrong and ought not to be extended.” While he tried to stay objective to each side’s concerns over the issue, a lot like the declaration, Lincoln had ideal wishes and ideas for the new country. He spoke charismatically and without resistance saying:

“Fellow-citizens, we can not escape history. We of this Congress and this Administration will be remembered in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare one or another of us. The fiery trial through which we pass will light us down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation. We say we are for the Union...In giving freedom to the slave we assure freedom to the free--honorable alike in what we give and what we preserve. We shall nobly save or meanly lose the last best hope of earth...The way is plain, peaceful, generous, just--a way which if followed the world will forever applaud and God must forever bless.”

The difference between the ideas of Abraham Lincoln and the ideas that the founding fathers provided differ only in reality, where Lincoln could put his ideas into action more easily. For instance, the Civil War, Emancipation Proclamation, and Gettysburg Address made his speech come to life, an area that revealed the limitations of the Declaration of Independence and left it almost dead in comparison. The true significance of the Declaration can be described by the fact that even today its rhetoric and ideals are relevant. President Barack Obama is the 44th president of our nation and is currently in office. A Hawaiian native of mixed decent, he is the first “black” president of the United States. While faced with a nation that is in economic crisis and dealing with the health care reform, he found significance in the words of our founding fathers while giving his inaugural address in 2009. At the start of his speech he mentions that “America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our fore-bearers, and true to our founding documents.” He also touches on the beliefs in the founding document that “all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.” It is amazing to see how one document crafted by five men has stayed significant to America for centuries.

After seeing the ways that the Declaration of Independence has been interpreted by leaders in American history, it can be said that multiple perspectives have found use for the document, however limited it may have been originally. After viewing glimpses of these interpretations, we are able to form a better, more clear picture of our country’s development over time. Without looking through multiple lenses at the Declaration of Independence, it is nearly impossible to formulate well-rounded and truthful opinions about its effectiveness and significance to the nation over time.