Introduction and Purpose:
- The Declaration of Independence was unanimously adopted by the thirteen United States of America on July 4, 1776.
- The document explains the reasons behind the separation of the American colonies from British rule.
Key Principles and Rights
- “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that 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.”
- Governments are established to secure these rights and derive their power from the consent of the governed.
- The people have the right to alter or abolish a government that becomes destructive to their rights.
Grievances Against the King of Great Britain
- The king refused to pass necessary laws and neglected the concerns of the people.
- He has obstructed the rights of representation and imposed unfair conditions on the population.
- The king interfered with the administration of justice and created new offices to oppress the people.
- Standing armies have been kept without consent, and the military has been made superior to the civil power.
- The king collaborated with others to impose foreign jurisdiction and denied the rights of the colonists.
- He has quartered troops, protected them from punishment, and cut off trade with other nations.
- Taxes have been imposed without consent, depriving the colonists of their benefits.
- The king undermined English laws and altered the forms of colonial governments.
- Our own legislatures have been suspended, and the king has declared the power to legislate for us in all cases.
Conclusion and Declaration of Independence
- The king has abandoned the colonies, waged war against them, and caused destruction.
- Foreign mercenaries have been brought in to further oppress the colonies.
- The king has incited domestic insurrections and unleashed merciless Indian savages on the frontiers.
- Despite repeated petitions, the king has shown himself to be a tyrant unworthy of ruling a free people.
- The colonists must separate from Britain and declare themselves as Free and Independent States.
- They possess the power to levy war, establish alliances, and engage in acts befitting independent nations.
- The signatories pledge their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor to support this declaration.
Also read: 4th of July, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin