Colonists from Europe were aggravated with government oppression and escaped to the “New World”, America, looking for freedom for a new start. Until 4th of July 1776, the United States of America were controlled by the King of England, George III. Before this, all people’s rights were deprived, and their property was actually the Crown’s property. American colonists tried several times to express their dissatisfaction, but they were ignored. 

Though not all colonist agreed on being separated from the British Government, “The Declaration of Independence”, written by Thomas Jefferson, outlines the American colonists’ choice for independence from England. This document challenged British taxation and the threat of military harm against the American colonists, creating a world power that has kept the same values— life, liberty and pursuit of happiness—that constitute the core of political parties, even today. through stating grievances and past judicial offenses. Jefferson’s words are a legacy for today’s American freedom. The idea of independence was not shared by every colonist. Despite different opinions, this document ultimately led to the American Revolution and finally American independence.

The Declaration of Independence was a result of the Americans’ political situation. During the 18th century, there was a lot of strain between colonists and British authorities. The King of England, George III, was constantly increasing taxes to expand the wealth of England. Moreover, colonists had no one that was allowed to represent them at the British Parliament. They kept asking for the same rights as mainland British citizens for a long time, but their request was ignored. Also, in 1775, the British Parliament prohibited trade between colonies. British soldiers acted with violence toward colonists, as Thomas Jefferson refers to it in the Declaration of Independence, “the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States”. The King permanently maintained the British Army in the colonies without their consent (History.com Staff). All the previous examples of tensions led to the American Revolution, opposing the colonists against England. One year after the beginning of the American Revolution, Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence. He was an American Founding Father and was the third President of the United States from 1801 to 1809, representing the Republican party (Freidel, Sidey). The Declaration of Independence was released during the American Revolution in order to obtain help from the French Government against British soldiers. They also wanted to be recognized as the United States by surrounding governments. They were officially independent in 1783, at the end of the Revolution when the King of England finally acknowledged the independence of the United States (Office of the Historian). Historical background helps present-day Americans to understand better the context of the Declaration of Independence. Cultural understanding may add sense to this declaration. Contrary to the belief that all American colonists were excited to declare independence, after the release of the Declaration of Independence, each American had different political ideas, as they do today. All colonists did not share the same opinion about the independence of the United States from England. Some colonists supported the choice of independence, while others were more attached to belonging to British culture and rule. Some colonists who wanted to stay under British governing, loyalists, left the Colonies to reach the British coasts. Members of the loyalists who stayed, were fearful of the strength of British forces (Seabury).

After many years of being abused, American people took the initiative to write The Declaration of Independence, a justification of their independence sent to the King of England. Colonists wanted to be respectful with English people, and explained to them why they will no longer be part of England, as Jefferson wrote “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation”. They did not agree with the way that George III made the colonists pay a lot of taxes, and tried to speak to him about this problem. As justified in the Declaration of Independence, “Governments long established should not be changed for light or transient causes”, taxation was a huge problem during this period, and is still a sensitive subject. Colonists gave many examples of all their disagreements and annoyances. The King refused to help in any positive way, but when he did agree to help them, he forced the colonists to give up the right to vote. Jefferson explained this through the words, “he has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of a large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature”. The Colonies were not protected against feasible enemies, they had no power and no opportunities to defend themselves. As worded in the Declaration of Independence “the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all dangers of invasion from without”. Jefferson mentioned in the Declaration of Independence that the King of England kept armies of soldiers to bully American while the Colonies were in a perfect peace. 

The Declaration of Independence carried long lasting effects. The United States of America is independent, and the Declaration led to a country that is still united. What the colonists fought for is still actualized. The Declaration of Independence states clearly what colonists were looking for, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Jefferson).  Americans had a precise idea on what they wanted for their country, and what independence meant for them. As Jefferson declared “they are Absolved to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved”, which means that they cut every relationship with England. Colonists were willing to leave them in peace, but if Great Britain would not allow them to leave, they would be ready to fight against them as enemies (Jefferson). The Declaration of Independence was a vast change and other countries like France were inspired by the American declaration to write its own, “déclaration des droits de l’homme et du citoyen”. Thomas Jefferson share his experience of the Declaration of Independence by helping to write this declaration. Moreover, the French revolution started before the “Déclaration des Droits de l’homme et du citoyen” was written, the same set-up as the United States ten years after. 

The Declaration of Independence is probably one of the most important texts that built the nation as it is now. However, some details of the text might be unfamiliar for most present-day Americans. The beginning of this declaration is more famous. This is because the first sentences of a text are usually more powerful than the little details in the middle of the text. Many American people ignore all the examples given in the middle of the text that denounce the cruelty and unfairness of the King of England. There is a misconception with the belief that the Declaration of Independence led to the American Revolution. The Revolution started in 1775 (History.com Staff), one year before the Declaration of Independence. This text was actually release during the Revolution, providing help to the country from the French Army. The independence of the United States was an important factor in this deal. 

A lot of people may think that the reason that led to the writing of the Declaration of Independence was taxation. Colonists were not allowed to have a jury (Jefferson), that is the perfect example that people will not keep in mind. It was proved by the Declaration of Independence that military occupation and false representation had an important influence too. After Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin and John Adams critiqued the document. Both of them wanted to keep the original draft, but they removed the items that would bring controversy (Office of the Historian). Originally, Jefferson accused the King of England, George III of being responsible for the transatlantic slave trade. In the Declaration of Independence, all the times that Jefferson used “He”, referring to George III, he formerly referred to British people in general (Office of the Historian). 

The American Revolution and the Declaration of Independence both influenced the history of the United States, and are responsible for what this country is as we know it— in peace, independence, and all the people united. Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness are values that still define the United States of America. Through the history of the American Revolution, the Declaration of Independent can take a new meaning, a world recognition of nation status. The Declaration was an accord with the French Government for protection. The divergence of opinions still occurs today, but there is a recognition of American membership. Before reading this text, and doing some research on this historical period, I did not realize how difficult the colonists’ situation was. My opinion about this topic has totally changed and I have empathy for the American colonists. As a French citizen, I heard about American independence differently than the version written in the Declaration of Independence. British textbooks depicted British people as helpful. The situation was reverses, the British were kind and hospitable people, whereas the American colonists were seen as traitors. This is because they left their country, and then fought against the British Government. This analysis helped me to understand why the American people love their country that much, and celebrate independence. After everything American colonists went through, this created a bond between these colonists that made them stronger. This bond has been transferred from generation to generation. Today, this bond between the American people still exists, and that make them one of the most powerful countries in the world because they know how to create memorable achievements. Teamwork plays an important role in this.
