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

Running Head: INTRODUCTION TO HUMANITIES
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Introduction to Humanities
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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 On July 4, 1776, the historical
document was approved by Congress.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From the archives, I examined the history of the historical document.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