Introduction to Humanities: The History and Significance of the Declaration of Independence

This Introduction to Humanities assignment explores the history and significance of the Declaration of Independence. Discover the origins and context of this historic document, and learn how it influences contemporary cultural issues in government and promotes social equity. Examples from the textbook are provided, and references to the National Archives and Journal of American Revolution are included.

Running Head: INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES
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Introduction to Humanities
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES 2
Introduction to Humanities
Declaration of Independence
One of the primary articles in the archives is “The Declaration of Independence: A
History” which provides an account of the historic document from its drafting to its current
preservation at the files. The report asserts the independence and territory of a nation according
to (Archives, 2016). However, it is not legally binding because it relies on other founding
documents such as the Constitution to exercise its power. Thomas Jefferson primarily prepared
the American Declaration of Independence y prepared by Thomas Jefferson based on his
readings of John Locke’s Two Treaties on Government. The book disregarded monarchies and
explained that by nature man is equal, free, and independent. Notably, the declaration describes
the American government and the identity of its citizens. On July 4, 1776, the historical
document was approved by Congress. Under this topic, I learnt about the origins and importance
of Declaration of Independence.
Origins and Context
From the archives, I examined the history of the historical document. Notably, Thomas
Jefferson chaired the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence. However, the
arguments were influenced by John Locke and Rousseau. In Two Treaties on Government
(1689) Locke explains that by nature all human beings are equal, free and independent. Also,
Rousseau’s Social Contract influenced his denunciation of the monarchy (Howard, 2010).
Notably, previous writings of George Mason explained that all men are inherently free, equal,
and independent; with emphasis on freedoms of liberty and life. Notably, Jefferson’s eloquence

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in detailing the declaration exceeds writings of previous authors such as John Trumbull, George
Mason and John Adams; and is accepted globally.
Examples from the textbook
One of the samples from the book is the declaration of independence (1776) in Reading
12.1. The article explains all men are created equal and endowed with unalienable rights to Life,
Liberty and pursuit of happiness. Further, it suggests that governments rely on "the people" who
by themselves are sovereign. Primarily, the government must protect the people's rights
aforementioned. Another example is the Declaration of Rights of Man and Citizen in France. The
document created Estates General protects the citizens from exploitative taxes on the landed
property. It's aimed to control land ownership, with the tenant rights preserved.
The two examples show the struggles of people for freedom and equality – with each
man given equal opportunity to own property, live freely and exercise their human rights. Also,
no “special treatment” is given to any person because the “people” form the government.
Influence on Contemporary Issues in Government
The historical documents influence contemporary cultural issues in many ways. For
instance, it impacts the values and traditions of the American culture by providing for women
rights in employment, and government. Notably, the documents created vital ‘truths” which
underlie contemporary politics. According to (Raphael, 2013) Lincoln utilised the words" all
men are created equal" to stop slavery, and end years of Civil War. The phrase also addresses
racial issues, gender inequality and discrimination based on sexual orientation because it
recognises the majority rights; and protects the minorities. In this way, the Declaration of
Independence promotes social equity.

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References
Archives, N. (2016, June 26). National Archives. Retrieved July 2, 2018, from America's
Founding Documents: https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/bill-of-rights
Howard, S. (2010). Jefferson's First Declaration of Independence: A Summary View of the
Rights of British America Revisited. Quarterly Journal of Speech, 89 (3), 235-252.
Raphael, R. (2013). Jefferson and the Declaration. Journal of American Revolution.