Welcome visitors to this exhibit, which focuses on one of the most pivotal documents in American history: the Declaration of Independence. A single sheet of parchment, written with passion and determination, this document stands as a testament to the ideals upon which the United States of America was founded. Let us journey back to 1776. The relationship between the Thirteen American Colonies and the British Crown was extremely strained, resulting in chaos. The people were unhappy, which led to years of grievances that immediately resulted in a need for independence. This desire to break free from British rule has been discussed for years, yet no one wanted to call the shots first. 

     Eventually, chaos began to erupt, and it was time to appoint a committee. The Continental Congress appointed a committee committed to drafting a formal declaration on paper to finalize their breakaway. 

     This committee included Thomas Jefferson, who was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence and was assigned to write the text outlining the colonies’ justifications for wanting to be free of British domination. His committee included Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and John Adams of Massachusetts. This committee would outline a document on why the colonies sought independence. They proclaimed their beliefs in inherent rights and, ultimately, why enough is enough. Jefferson’s written words would make history and be studied for years. This document has now been studied for centuries and made history for being known as the final separation from Great Britain. 

     The Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776, amidst the backdrop of the American Revolutionary War. Its words, written by Jefferson but shaped by the collective vision of the Founding Fathers, declared that “all men are created equal” and endowed with “certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” These words, written by Thomas Jefferson, will be studied in the coming years. Individuals question the idea of “What are the unalienable Rights?” “Were slaves also considered to be created equal?” “What role did Thomas Jefferson’s background and beliefs play in shaping the Declaration of Independence?”

     In order to truly grasp the historical setting in which the Declaration of Independence originated, it is essential to appreciate its significance. For more than a century, the British ruled the American colonies and imposed taxes and laws without providing for their own representation. The Enlightenment principles of liberty, self-governance, and this sense of injustice fueled the revolution. The paper is a philosophical dissertation on the nature of government and individual rights, not just a simple grocery list of complaints. Jefferson drew significantly from the theories of Enlightenment philosophers such as John Locke, whose conceptions of the social contract and natural rights served as the foundation for the arguments in the Declaration.

     This was a bold declaration of the values upon which a new nation would be founded, not just a declaration of independence from British control. A revolutionary notion that would reflect through generations of American history, the Declaration declared that governments derive their lawful powers from the consent of the governed. Big steps in history began.

     Now, let us delve into the actual document itself. The intentional decisions made by its creators are apparent. With its well-known opening words, “We the People…” the preamble functions as a mission statement and a proclamation of the values that will lead the young country. These three words have impacted the way history has viewed the article and grasped the notions being discussed. 

     As the Declaration progresses, Jefferson lists a litany of grievances against King George III, illustrating the colonies’ justification for seeking independence. These grievances, ranging from the imposition of taxes without consent to the quartering of troops in private homes, paint a vivid picture of the colonists’ grievances.  The Declaration also serves as a guidepost for the future, as it outlines the principles of freedom and equality enshrined in the Constitution. It also serves as a powerful statement of courage, demonstrating the colonists’ determination to break free from British rule. The Declaration ended with a strong statement of independence, declaring that the colonies were now sovereign and would no longer be subject to British rule.

     Yet, the document’s true power lies in its closing words. Jefferson concludes with a solemn pledge, stating that the signatories are “pledged to each other [their] Lives, [their] Fortunes, and [their] sacred Honor.”This was not meaningless language; instead, it represented a dedication to a cause greater than themselves and a readiness to bear any cost to preserve liberty.

     Before this treasured document, let us consider its lasting significance. More than just a piece of paper, the Declaration of Independence serves as a reminder of the principles upon which a country was established and an indicator of hope. Its words capture the spirit of America, a country founded on the idea that all people are born equal and have the inherent right to pursue their own interests. 

     Thus, while you view this important historical relic, keep in mind the words written by Thomas Jefferson and his fellow citizens. They are more than just historical artifacts; they are the cornerstones of the American experiment and a living example of the never-ending pursuit of justice and liberty for all. The Declaration of Independence is the foundation of the United States. 

 

 

 

 

 

Armitage, David. “The Declaration of Independence: Its Many Histories.” The William and Mary Quarterly, vol. 65, no. 2, April 2008, pp. 358–362.

Bailyn, Bernard. The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution. Harvard University Press, 1967. 

https://www.amrevmuseum.org/read-the-revolution/the-ideological-origins-of-the-american-revolution#:~:text=Primarily%20a%20study%20of%20American,or%20%E2%80%9CCommonwealth%20tradition%E2%80%9D%20that%20had

 

National Archives, “Declaration of Independence – Transcript.”

https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

 

Wood, Gordon S. The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Vintage, 1993. 

https://www.supersummary.com/the-radicalism-of-the-american-revolution/summary/