A Historical Analysis of the Declaration of Independence

This essay provides an analysis of the Declaration of Independence, examining its impact on American society and the evolution of human rights. The essay begins by highlighting the significance of independence and its role in societal development, using the United States as a prime example. It then delves into the core principles of the declaration, particularly the concepts of equality, unalienable rights, and the pursuit of happiness. The essay further explores how these principles have influenced civil rights movements, such as the fight against racial discrimination led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the broader global human rights movement. It emphasizes the consistent efforts of the US in promoting equality and protecting the rights of its citizens, reflecting the values enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The essay also references key sources that support the analysis of the document.

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DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
A society which has obtained independence has certainly obtained freedom from various social,
economic and even emotional oppressions. Independence acts as one of the greatest recipes for
development. The United States is a living example of a nation which has grown in leaps and bounds in
various sectors since the moment it was declared independent.
The declaration is full of richness in terms of ideas. The second statement is particularly one of
the core points from which various projects on human rights and social movements have emanated. “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”
[Declaration]
The government of the United States has been keen on enhancing the rights of its citizens. This
can be confirmed by the existence of various civil rights movements. These movements started from the
early 70s and have since experienced a great revolution hence enabling the divine protection of the
peoples’ right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as stipulated in the declaration (Neier, 3).
Buoyed by the contents of the declaration, various activists rose to major heights in their fight for human
rights. For instance, Dr.Martin Luther King Jr. has gone down in history as one of the greatest opposers of
racial discrimination. It is perhaps because of such a foundation that America would eventually be led by
a black as the president. This feat has been considered one of the major hallmarks in American history.
Furthermore, there is the global human rights movement which has remained stable and
expansive since its inception in the 1990s. This movement has done a lot in enhancing the representation
of women rights and economic justice not only in the political spheres but also in the corporate world
(Normand, 17). In a nut shell, the US through the emergence of various bodies has remained consistent in
its bid to enhance equality and protection of rights among its people. This is a sure indication of the
society’s commitment to live up to the ideas contained in the declaration of independence.

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Sources
Neier, A. The International Human Rights Movement: A History. Princeton: Princeton University Press,
2012.
Normand, R. Human Rights at the UN: The Political History of Universal Justice. Bloomington: Indiana
University Press, 2008.