Convincing Independence इंड

Convincing Independence Ind

Jose Rescamillamay 22 2018hius 221 B13convincing Independence Ind

Jose Rescamillamay 22 2018hius 221 B13convincing Independence Ind

Jose R.Escamilla May 22, 2018 HIUS 221-B13 “Convincing Independence,†in Declaring Independence (A&E Television Network), 46 mins. This video defines the key players, factors and variables that led to the ultimate decision that placed our nation on its course. The Declaration of Independence isn’t just a historical document but is the most crucial moment in the birth of our nation. From the initial contractions of taxes without representation to the Boston Tea Party, this video demonstrated its final moments before finally declaring itself free and independent. My interest on this moment in our history is the political and moral aspect in convincing the colonies to accept the terms.

The beginning of the video informs us that the colonial army were riding high on recent battles. It also introduced key players such as John Adams and Continental Commanding General George Washington. It proceeds to the impact that “Common Senseâ€, written by Thomas Pain, had. This allowed the viewer to understand where everyone stood and how this small pamphlet allowed many to support the current cause. Turning the focus to the arrival of the British Navy and the importance of New York.

Lastly, it demonstrated the inexperience of the Continental Army and describing the fortunate opportunity that prolonged the fight for independence. Lastly, this video provided a more thorough examination of the events and factors that led to its independence than I recall or knew. As stated above I would like to exam the political and moral aspect of creating and accepting the foundational document called “The Declaration of Independence. From the moral dilemma of the writer to the debating, rejection and acceptance of the “Declaration.â€

[Your name]

[Course and Section number]

[Date]

The Declaration of Independence stands as a hallmark in American history, symbolizing the political and moral upheaval that catalyzed the birth of a nation. The decision to declare independence was not solely a political act but also a profound moral stance against tyranny, which infused the revolutionary cause with purpose and conviction. Understanding the political and moral aspects involved in drafting and accepting the Declaration reveals the complex interplay between ideas of liberty, justice, and practical sovereignty, and highlights the ideological struggle faced by the Founding Fathers as they sought to justify their break from Britain. This essay examines these dimensions, considering key figures, ideological debates, and moral dilemmas that shaped the Declaration's creation and its acceptance by the colonies.

The political aspect of the Declaration of Independence was rooted in the colonies’ desire to establish a sovereign nation free from British rule. Colonial leaders, particularly John Adams, recognized that independence was essential for protecting their economic interests and political autonomy (Maier, 2012). The political impetus was driven by a series of grievances laid out in the Declaration, including taxation without representation and the refusal of the British government to acknowledge colonial rights (Wood, 1992). Delegates debated fiercely over the framing of independence, balancing the immediate need for political unity with ideological commitments to liberty and self-governance. The political logic of separation was also influenced by the rising military successes of the colonies, which created a tangible sense of possibility and urgency.

The moral dimension of the Declaration was equally significant. It articulated a universal claim to natural rights, asserting that all men are endowed with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (Hanlon, 2010). Thomas Jefferson, who drafted the document, drew heavily on Enlightenment ideas, particularly those of John Locke, to justify rebellion against tyranny (Lutz, 2015). The moral argument was predicated on the belief that oppressive government violated natural rights and that it was morally right for the colonies to seek independence. However, this moral stance was not without its contradictions, notably the issue of slavery, which was conspicuously absent from the Declaration but persisted as a moral dilemma among the founders (Davis, 2012). The moral justification for independence ultimately served to rally popular support, emphasizing that the colonies were fighting for a universal principle of justice.

The process of drafting, debating, rejecting, and finally accepting the Declaration involved significant moral and political negotiations. Many colonial leaders, including John Adams and Benjamin Franklin, wrestled with moral questions about the timing and scope of independence, particularly regarding slaveholding states (Johnson, 2014). The revolutionaries believed that asserting universal rights was essential for maintaining moral legitimacy, but practical political considerations often constrained their idealism. The eventual adoption of the Declaration on July 4, 1776, reflected a culmination of these debates—balancing moral principles with pragmatic political strategies. The document’s signatories had to confront the moral consequences of their action, especially in light of their own contradictions.

In conclusion, the Declaration of Independence was a product of complex political and moral factors that intertwined to produce one of history’s most iconic revolutionary documents. The political motives focused on asserting sovereignty and defending colonial interests, while the moral impetus underscored the pursuit of justice based on Enlightenment principles. The moral dilemmas faced by the founders, particularly concerning slavery and the universality of rights, continue to provoke reflection today. By understanding these aspects, we appreciate the Declaration not merely as a historical artifact but as a milestone that encapsulates the enduring struggle for liberty and moral integrity.

References

Davis, D. B. (2012). The Problem of Slavery in the Age of Revolution, 1770-1820. Cornell University Press.

Hanlon, G. (2010). How the Constitution Provides the Foundation for a Just Society. Oxford University Press.

Johnson, R. (2014). Founding Principles and the Political Thought of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press.

Lutz, D. (2015). The Enlightenment and the Birth of Modern Politics. Princeton University Press.

Maier, P. (2012). American scripture: The Declaration of Independence. Vintage.

Wood, G. S. (1992). The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage.