SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  7
Télécharger pour lire hors ligne
The declaration of independence
The United States of America is probably the most powerful country in the world
nowadays. However, this current status would be impossible without gaining its
independence in 18th
century. This work is going to be devoted to the declaration of
independence. Of course this document is just a tremendous fact in the country’s history. It
has become culmination of its fight for independence and respect for human rights.
“When armed conflict between bands of American colonists and British soldiers began
in April 1775, the Americans were ostensibly fighting only for their rights as subjects of the
British crown. By the following summer, with the Revolutionary War in full swing, the
movement for independence from Britain had grown, and delegates of the Continental
Congress were faced with a vote on the issue. In mid-June 1776, a five-man committee
including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin was tasked with drafting a
formal statement of the colonies' intentions. The Congress formally adopted the Declaration
of Independence--written largely by Jefferson--in Philadelphia on July 4, a date now
celebrated as the birth of American independence” (Declaration of Independence).
The text of the "Declaration of American Independence" can be divided into three
parts. In the first one natural rights of every person are recorded, "all men are created equal,"
since birth they are endowed with "certain inalienable rights, among them - Life, Liberty and
the pursuit of Happiness." Along with human rights, right of any nation is also justified. The
right to form their own government, 'the responsibility of ensuring and protecting human
rights is probably the most important among them. If a government is not able to provide the
mentioned rights people can change it. It is even their duty.
The second part, which is about two-thirds of the text - is twenty seven specific
accusations against the King of England, particularly in abuse of power, violation of laws,
creating obstacles to emigration to North America, the increasing exploitation of the colonies
and so on. The final repeated solemnly declared, that the North American colonies become
"free and independent states" ... and further stated that newborn country considers themselves
free from any obligations to the English crown, which they tear from its political relations
and have all rights and powers to declare war and conclude peace, to seek allies to develop
foreign trade and generally do everything that independent countries can do.
Thus, the "Declaration of American Independence" did not only proclaimed the birth of
a new independent state, but declared the new most advanced at that time, ideas and concepts,
as well as a wide range of human rights.
Later, part of the Declaration of Independence became a part of the United States
Constitution, adopted September 17, 1787, and as rightly pointed out by the authors of the
fundamental work "The History of the United States", "it was the oldest written constitution,
which still operates. Under the U.S. Constitution the country became one of the largest
democracies of all time ".
In order to understand the role of this document in the country’s history we have to
look at the preconditions of the document. UK policy contradicted the objective course of
development of colonies and the drafting of a new nation. Metropolitan systematically
suppressed the development of colonies, sought to save them as a source of cheap raw
materials and market for industrial goods.
Elevation of the liberation movement contributed to the politicization of the colonists,
creating patriotic organizations, the most popular among them were "Sons of Freedom." A
step towards a more active resistance was the "Boston massacre" in 1770.
Cohesion forces in the colonies contributed to the "Liaison Committee", which led the
transition from the boycott of British goods to acts of resistance. One of these acts was the
"Boston Tea Party" in 1773. The British Parliament answered by the adoption of a series of
"repressive acts" in 1774.
Recognizing the need of joint action led to the convening of 1th Continental Congress,
which lasted from 5 September to 26 October 1774 in Philadelphia and adopted a
"Declaration of Rights and Complaints" and suspension of trade relations with Great Britain.
The critical situation in the colonies prompted Britain to take decisive action against the
rebels. The first blood was shed April 19th, 1775 at Lexington and Concord.
It was a start of the famous war for Independence. We are not going to talk about this
war, since it is not a task of this paper. We should just say that the Declaration of
Independence is the result of the war.
The day of adoption of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, is celebrated in the
United States as Independence Day. The Declaration was the first official document in which
the colonies were called "United States of America".
September 5, 1774 in Philadelphia, I Continental Congress was called. Congress sent a
letter to the King, where demanded the abolition of laws that violate the interests of the
colonies, and declared a boycott of British goods until the complete abolition of
discriminatory acts. But as the English Parliament and King George III rejected the demands
of Congress, armed conflict between the two parties was inevitable.
The foundation for further integration was formed at the II Congress that decided to
organize joint military action. Desire to fight until complete separation from the mother
country was matured during the war.
May 15, 1776 Samuel Adams officially authorized the formation of independent states
from England. Constitution of the states expanded democratic rights of the population. Bill of
Rights proclaimed freedom of speech, conscience, assembly, personal inviolability, etc. It
should be added that the adoption of new constitutions marked a significant step. These
documents destroyed privileges of landed aristocracy, forbidden to charge a fixed rent and
eliminate other remnants of feudalism. Political power passed to the hands of the national
bourgeoisie and planters.
Colonies declared themselves republics, states, and July 1, 1776 the legislative
assembly of Virginia adopted the so-called Virgin declaration of rights, which was the first
declaration in the history of the American people. This declaration covers all range of ideas,
justify separation from England and formation of a democratic republic.
The most important thing in the Second Continental Congress was adoption of the
Declaration of Independence of the United States. Draft Declaration instructed to prepare a
commission of five members of Congress - Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin
Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston. However, the power to create a draft
Declaration was passed to the hands of Thomas Jefferson, who 17 days (from 11 to 28 June)
was working on its text.
Project of Jefferson with minor editorial amendments of J. Adams and B. Franklin was
given as Congress' Declaration of Representatives of the United States to General Congress
June 28. July 19 Congress changed the name of "unanimous Declaration of thirteen united
States of America."
Discussion of the draft Declaration began in early July and lasted three days. During
discussion it was amended an item, which condemned slavery and the slave trade. With A
few phrases and words were replaced in the text. Words have been replaced by more
acceptable in some cases more accurate and less emotional. The declaration was approved on
July 2.
In the evening of July 4 Declaration was certified by the signatures of the President of
Congress John Hancock and Secretary C. Thomas. From 56 signatures 13 belonged to
merchants, 8 – to planters, 28 – to lawyers, and 7 – to the members of different professions. It
should be noted that the delegation of New York did not participate because of lack of
necessary powers.
Committee of five representatives of the colonies: John Adams (John Adams of
Massachusetts), Benjamin Franklin (Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania), Thomas Jefferson
(Thomas Jefferson of Virginia), Robert Livingston (Robert R. Livingston of New York) and
Roger Sherman (Roger Sherman of Connecticut) was created to write the text of the
Declaration.
July 19, 1776 Congress ordered that the declaration was "duly rewritten in big letters on
parchment under" unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America "and
signed by all members of Congress." For primary, printed version, approved July 4,
calligraphic copy was established.
The signing ceremony played on parchment of the Declaration were held August 2,
1776, when after John Hancock have signed another 55 people. John Dickinson, John Jay and
RR Livingston refused to sign the Declaration. However, their signatures placed Brakton K.
and E. Ratledzh who spoke against it before, and R. Morris, who considered it premature. A
number of signatures (T. Makkin, M. Thornton) came much later on August 2. 11
The news about unanimous adoption of the Declaration of all the colonies - the United
States reached King George III of Great Britain on September 10.
To conclude we would like to say the following. The Declaration of Independence not
only explained the reasons which prompted the Americans to separation from the mother
country. It was the first ever document that proclaimed the principle of sovereignty as the
basis of government.
The Declaration was not only the "birth certificate" of the new state, but also
recognized monument of American literature.
The value of the "Declaration" went beyond a single country. It was a sign that feudal
rights can be eliminated. Instead power of kings - the power of the people, instead of class
privileges - equality of rights, instead of the monarchy - republic.
To achieve independence, the American people had to long bloody war with Britain.
But in 1783 Britain recognized the independence of the United States.
During the war years and shortly after the U.S. had ended with the remnants of
feudalism, landowners, aristocrats expelled from the country abolished slavery whites and
Negroes in Northern states (where there were few) were free. Authorities in the country
passed into the hands of the bourgeoisie North and South planters. In the U.S., was a
bourgeois revolution - the first American Revolution. But in the southern states remained
enslaved blacks, and this led eventually to civil war - the second American Revolution.
Works cited
Declaration of Independence. 17 May, 2012, <http://www.history.com/topics/declaration-of
independence>
The Declaration of Independence. 17 May, 2012,
<http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/>

Contenu connexe

Tendances

Declaration Of Independence
Declaration Of IndependenceDeclaration Of Independence
Declaration Of Independence
ezlee2
 
Student Powerpoint
Student PowerpointStudent Powerpoint
Student Powerpoint
dawnpck
 
Chapter 11 Study Guide
Chapter 11 Study GuideChapter 11 Study Guide
Chapter 11 Study Guide
i Classroom
 
Lesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti Federalists
Lesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti FederalistsLesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti Federalists
Lesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti Federalists
ms_mcmanus
 
2 late colonies-to_jackson-2
2 late colonies-to_jackson-22 late colonies-to_jackson-2
2 late colonies-to_jackson-2
smh0203
 
9.1 revolutionary war_i
9.1 revolutionary war_i9.1 revolutionary war_i
9.1 revolutionary war_i
Mike Ray
 
American History 1775-1865
American History 1775-1865American History 1775-1865
American History 1775-1865
tfiorian
 
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence
cortezushistory
 

Tendances (20)

Tommy J
Tommy JTommy J
Tommy J
 
175 180ppt-151006210647-lva1-app6891
175 180ppt-151006210647-lva1-app6891175 180ppt-151006210647-lva1-app6891
175 180ppt-151006210647-lva1-app6891
 
Declaration Of Independence
Declaration Of IndependenceDeclaration Of Independence
Declaration Of Independence
 
Student Powerpoint
Student PowerpointStudent Powerpoint
Student Powerpoint
 
Chapter 11 Study Guide
Chapter 11 Study GuideChapter 11 Study Guide
Chapter 11 Study Guide
 
Lesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti Federalists
Lesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti FederalistsLesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti Federalists
Lesson 4 Federalists vs. Anti Federalists
 
2 late colonies-to_jackson-2
2 late colonies-to_jackson-22 late colonies-to_jackson-2
2 late colonies-to_jackson-2
 
LOAPUSH 10
LOAPUSH 10LOAPUSH 10
LOAPUSH 10
 
US History chapter 8
US History chapter 8US History chapter 8
US History chapter 8
 
Roots and Revolution of America
Roots and Revolution of AmericaRoots and Revolution of America
Roots and Revolution of America
 
2nd cont.congress
2nd cont.congress2nd cont.congress
2nd cont.congress
 
We the people session ii
We the people session iiWe the people session ii
We the people session ii
 
US 2111 Jeffersonian america
US 2111 Jeffersonian americaUS 2111 Jeffersonian america
US 2111 Jeffersonian america
 
9.1 revolutionary war_i
9.1 revolutionary war_i9.1 revolutionary war_i
9.1 revolutionary war_i
 
American History 1775-1865
American History 1775-1865American History 1775-1865
American History 1775-1865
 
LOAPUSH Govt Ch 2
LOAPUSH Govt Ch 2LOAPUSH Govt Ch 2
LOAPUSH Govt Ch 2
 
Goal 1 ppt new nation
Goal 1 ppt   new nationGoal 1 ppt   new nation
Goal 1 ppt new nation
 
Declaration of Independence
Declaration of IndependenceDeclaration of Independence
Declaration of Independence
 
Chapter2powerpoint
Chapter2powerpointChapter2powerpoint
Chapter2powerpoint
 
The new government testing the constitution
The new government testing the constitutionThe new government testing the constitution
The new government testing the constitution
 

Similaire à The declaration of independence

American Roots Chapter 1
American Roots Chapter 1American Roots Chapter 1
American Roots Chapter 1
lconeey
 
5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx
5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx
5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx
alinainglis
 
2 origins of american government
2 origins of american government2 origins of american government
2 origins of american government
Kevin A
 
Govt 2305-Ch_2
Govt 2305-Ch_2Govt 2305-Ch_2
Govt 2305-Ch_2
Rick Fair
 
A declaration of independence
A declaration of independenceA declaration of independence
A declaration of independence
lhensley06
 
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
award79
 
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
award79
 
Cse pwpt standard 1
Cse pwpt standard 1Cse pwpt standard 1
Cse pwpt standard 1
lhensley06
 

Similaire à The declaration of independence (20)

Soc studies #14 independence
Soc studies #14 independenceSoc studies #14 independence
Soc studies #14 independence
 
Essay On The American Revolution
Essay On The American RevolutionEssay On The American Revolution
Essay On The American Revolution
 
American Roots Chapter 1
American Roots Chapter 1American Roots Chapter 1
American Roots Chapter 1
 
The American Revolution Essay Examples
The American Revolution Essay ExamplesThe American Revolution Essay Examples
The American Revolution Essay Examples
 
Causes of American Revolution 1774-1776
Causes of American Revolution 1774-1776Causes of American Revolution 1774-1776
Causes of American Revolution 1774-1776
 
Ch01 ppt
Ch01 pptCh01 ppt
Ch01 ppt
 
The american revolution
The american revolutionThe american revolution
The american revolution
 
The American Revolution Essay
The American Revolution EssayThe American Revolution Essay
The American Revolution Essay
 
AP US Government Textbook.pdf
AP US Government Textbook.pdfAP US Government Textbook.pdf
AP US Government Textbook.pdf
 
5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx
5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx
5 What Kind of Revolution JUSTIFICATIONS FOR REBELLIONHISTORIC.docx
 
10 4 (part 1)
10 4 (part 1)10 4 (part 1)
10 4 (part 1)
 
2 origins of american government
2 origins of american government2 origins of american government
2 origins of american government
 
Govt 2305-Ch_2
Govt 2305-Ch_2Govt 2305-Ch_2
Govt 2305-Ch_2
 
American revolution
American revolutionAmerican revolution
American revolution
 
Towards independence
Towards independenceTowards independence
Towards independence
 
A declaration of independence
A declaration of independenceA declaration of independence
A declaration of independence
 
POD Chapter 2
POD Chapter 2POD Chapter 2
POD Chapter 2
 
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
 
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013Constitution and bill of rights 2013
Constitution and bill of rights 2013
 
Cse pwpt standard 1
Cse pwpt standard 1Cse pwpt standard 1
Cse pwpt standard 1
 

Plus de AssignmentPartner

Plus de AssignmentPartner (9)

Robert o’hara’s insurrection holding history
Robert o’hara’s insurrection holding historyRobert o’hara’s insurrection holding history
Robert o’hara’s insurrection holding history
 
Organizational development and change
Organizational development and changeOrganizational development and change
Organizational development and change
 
Management accounting
Management accountingManagement accounting
Management accounting
 
Islam vs christianity comparison of teachings
Islam vs christianity comparison of teachingsIslam vs christianity comparison of teachings
Islam vs christianity comparison of teachings
 
Information system infrastructure
Information system infrastructureInformation system infrastructure
Information system infrastructure
 
Construction logistics
Construction logisticsConstruction logistics
Construction logistics
 
1852 letter to the japanese emperor
1852 letter to the japanese emperor1852 letter to the japanese emperor
1852 letter to the japanese emperor
 
Case study
Case studyCase study
Case study
 
The target product of this research is soft drinks
The target product of this research is soft drinksThe target product of this research is soft drinks
The target product of this research is soft drinks
 

Dernier

Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functionsSalient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
KarakKing
 

Dernier (20)

21st_Century_Skills_Framework_Final_Presentation_2.pptx
21st_Century_Skills_Framework_Final_Presentation_2.pptx21st_Century_Skills_Framework_Final_Presentation_2.pptx
21st_Century_Skills_Framework_Final_Presentation_2.pptx
 
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning PresentationSOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
SOC 101 Demonstration of Learning Presentation
 
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
FSB Advising Checklist - Orientation 2024
 
UGC NET Paper 1 Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude.pdf
UGC NET Paper 1 Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude.pdfUGC NET Paper 1 Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude.pdf
UGC NET Paper 1 Mathematical Reasoning & Aptitude.pdf
 
Sensory_Experience_and_Emotional_Resonance_in_Gabriel_Okaras_The_Piano_and_Th...
Sensory_Experience_and_Emotional_Resonance_in_Gabriel_Okaras_The_Piano_and_Th...Sensory_Experience_and_Emotional_Resonance_in_Gabriel_Okaras_The_Piano_and_Th...
Sensory_Experience_and_Emotional_Resonance_in_Gabriel_Okaras_The_Piano_and_Th...
 
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptxICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
ICT Role in 21st Century Education & its Challenges.pptx
 
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
ICT role in 21st century education and it's challenges.
 
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptxHMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
HMCS Max Bernays Pre-Deployment Brief (May 2024).pptx
 
80 ĐỀ THI THỬ TUYỂN SINH TIẾNG ANH VÀO 10 SỞ GD – ĐT THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH NĂ...
80 ĐỀ THI THỬ TUYỂN SINH TIẾNG ANH VÀO 10 SỞ GD – ĐT THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH NĂ...80 ĐỀ THI THỬ TUYỂN SINH TIẾNG ANH VÀO 10 SỞ GD – ĐT THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH NĂ...
80 ĐỀ THI THỬ TUYỂN SINH TIẾNG ANH VÀO 10 SỞ GD – ĐT THÀNH PHỐ HỒ CHÍ MINH NĂ...
 
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptxInterdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
Interdisciplinary_Insights_Data_Collection_Methods.pptx
 
Wellbeing inclusion and digital dystopias.pptx
Wellbeing inclusion and digital dystopias.pptxWellbeing inclusion and digital dystopias.pptx
Wellbeing inclusion and digital dystopias.pptx
 
Exploring_the_Narrative_Style_of_Amitav_Ghoshs_Gun_Island.pptx
Exploring_the_Narrative_Style_of_Amitav_Ghoshs_Gun_Island.pptxExploring_the_Narrative_Style_of_Amitav_Ghoshs_Gun_Island.pptx
Exploring_the_Narrative_Style_of_Amitav_Ghoshs_Gun_Island.pptx
 
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functionsSalient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
Salient Features of India constitution especially power and functions
 
OSCM Unit 2_Operations Processes & Systems
OSCM Unit 2_Operations Processes & SystemsOSCM Unit 2_Operations Processes & Systems
OSCM Unit 2_Operations Processes & Systems
 
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
Mehran University Newsletter Vol-X, Issue-I, 2024
 
Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)
Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)
Jamworks pilot and AI at Jisc (20/03/2024)
 
Philosophy of china and it's charactistics
Philosophy of china and it's charactisticsPhilosophy of china and it's charactistics
Philosophy of china and it's charactistics
 
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptxCOMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
COMMUNICATING NEGATIVE NEWS - APPROACHES .pptx
 
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptxOn_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
On_Translating_a_Tamil_Poem_by_A_K_Ramanujan.pptx
 
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
Beyond_Borders_Understanding_Anime_and_Manga_Fandom_A_Comprehensive_Audience_...
 

The declaration of independence

  • 1. The declaration of independence The United States of America is probably the most powerful country in the world nowadays. However, this current status would be impossible without gaining its independence in 18th century. This work is going to be devoted to the declaration of independence. Of course this document is just a tremendous fact in the country’s history. It has become culmination of its fight for independence and respect for human rights. “When armed conflict between bands of American colonists and British soldiers began in April 1775, the Americans were ostensibly fighting only for their rights as subjects of the British crown. By the following summer, with the Revolutionary War in full swing, the movement for independence from Britain had grown, and delegates of the Continental Congress were faced with a vote on the issue. In mid-June 1776, a five-man committee including Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and Benjamin Franklin was tasked with drafting a formal statement of the colonies' intentions. The Congress formally adopted the Declaration of Independence--written largely by Jefferson--in Philadelphia on July 4, a date now celebrated as the birth of American independence” (Declaration of Independence). The text of the "Declaration of American Independence" can be divided into three parts. In the first one natural rights of every person are recorded, "all men are created equal," since birth they are endowed with "certain inalienable rights, among them - Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." Along with human rights, right of any nation is also justified. The right to form their own government, 'the responsibility of ensuring and protecting human rights is probably the most important among them. If a government is not able to provide the mentioned rights people can change it. It is even their duty. The second part, which is about two-thirds of the text - is twenty seven specific accusations against the King of England, particularly in abuse of power, violation of laws, creating obstacles to emigration to North America, the increasing exploitation of the colonies
  • 2. and so on. The final repeated solemnly declared, that the North American colonies become "free and independent states" ... and further stated that newborn country considers themselves free from any obligations to the English crown, which they tear from its political relations and have all rights and powers to declare war and conclude peace, to seek allies to develop foreign trade and generally do everything that independent countries can do. Thus, the "Declaration of American Independence" did not only proclaimed the birth of a new independent state, but declared the new most advanced at that time, ideas and concepts, as well as a wide range of human rights. Later, part of the Declaration of Independence became a part of the United States Constitution, adopted September 17, 1787, and as rightly pointed out by the authors of the fundamental work "The History of the United States", "it was the oldest written constitution, which still operates. Under the U.S. Constitution the country became one of the largest democracies of all time ". In order to understand the role of this document in the country’s history we have to look at the preconditions of the document. UK policy contradicted the objective course of development of colonies and the drafting of a new nation. Metropolitan systematically suppressed the development of colonies, sought to save them as a source of cheap raw materials and market for industrial goods. Elevation of the liberation movement contributed to the politicization of the colonists, creating patriotic organizations, the most popular among them were "Sons of Freedom." A step towards a more active resistance was the "Boston massacre" in 1770. Cohesion forces in the colonies contributed to the "Liaison Committee", which led the transition from the boycott of British goods to acts of resistance. One of these acts was the "Boston Tea Party" in 1773. The British Parliament answered by the adoption of a series of "repressive acts" in 1774.
  • 3. Recognizing the need of joint action led to the convening of 1th Continental Congress, which lasted from 5 September to 26 October 1774 in Philadelphia and adopted a "Declaration of Rights and Complaints" and suspension of trade relations with Great Britain. The critical situation in the colonies prompted Britain to take decisive action against the rebels. The first blood was shed April 19th, 1775 at Lexington and Concord. It was a start of the famous war for Independence. We are not going to talk about this war, since it is not a task of this paper. We should just say that the Declaration of Independence is the result of the war. The day of adoption of the Declaration of Independence, July 4, is celebrated in the United States as Independence Day. The Declaration was the first official document in which the colonies were called "United States of America". September 5, 1774 in Philadelphia, I Continental Congress was called. Congress sent a letter to the King, where demanded the abolition of laws that violate the interests of the colonies, and declared a boycott of British goods until the complete abolition of discriminatory acts. But as the English Parliament and King George III rejected the demands of Congress, armed conflict between the two parties was inevitable. The foundation for further integration was formed at the II Congress that decided to organize joint military action. Desire to fight until complete separation from the mother country was matured during the war. May 15, 1776 Samuel Adams officially authorized the formation of independent states from England. Constitution of the states expanded democratic rights of the population. Bill of Rights proclaimed freedom of speech, conscience, assembly, personal inviolability, etc. It should be added that the adoption of new constitutions marked a significant step. These documents destroyed privileges of landed aristocracy, forbidden to charge a fixed rent and
  • 4. eliminate other remnants of feudalism. Political power passed to the hands of the national bourgeoisie and planters. Colonies declared themselves republics, states, and July 1, 1776 the legislative assembly of Virginia adopted the so-called Virgin declaration of rights, which was the first declaration in the history of the American people. This declaration covers all range of ideas, justify separation from England and formation of a democratic republic. The most important thing in the Second Continental Congress was adoption of the Declaration of Independence of the United States. Draft Declaration instructed to prepare a commission of five members of Congress - Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert Livingston. However, the power to create a draft Declaration was passed to the hands of Thomas Jefferson, who 17 days (from 11 to 28 June) was working on its text. Project of Jefferson with minor editorial amendments of J. Adams and B. Franklin was given as Congress' Declaration of Representatives of the United States to General Congress June 28. July 19 Congress changed the name of "unanimous Declaration of thirteen united States of America." Discussion of the draft Declaration began in early July and lasted three days. During discussion it was amended an item, which condemned slavery and the slave trade. With A few phrases and words were replaced in the text. Words have been replaced by more acceptable in some cases more accurate and less emotional. The declaration was approved on July 2. In the evening of July 4 Declaration was certified by the signatures of the President of Congress John Hancock and Secretary C. Thomas. From 56 signatures 13 belonged to merchants, 8 – to planters, 28 – to lawyers, and 7 – to the members of different professions. It
  • 5. should be noted that the delegation of New York did not participate because of lack of necessary powers. Committee of five representatives of the colonies: John Adams (John Adams of Massachusetts), Benjamin Franklin (Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania), Thomas Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson of Virginia), Robert Livingston (Robert R. Livingston of New York) and Roger Sherman (Roger Sherman of Connecticut) was created to write the text of the Declaration. July 19, 1776 Congress ordered that the declaration was "duly rewritten in big letters on parchment under" unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America "and signed by all members of Congress." For primary, printed version, approved July 4, calligraphic copy was established. The signing ceremony played on parchment of the Declaration were held August 2, 1776, when after John Hancock have signed another 55 people. John Dickinson, John Jay and RR Livingston refused to sign the Declaration. However, their signatures placed Brakton K. and E. Ratledzh who spoke against it before, and R. Morris, who considered it premature. A number of signatures (T. Makkin, M. Thornton) came much later on August 2. 11 The news about unanimous adoption of the Declaration of all the colonies - the United States reached King George III of Great Britain on September 10. To conclude we would like to say the following. The Declaration of Independence not only explained the reasons which prompted the Americans to separation from the mother country. It was the first ever document that proclaimed the principle of sovereignty as the basis of government. The Declaration was not only the "birth certificate" of the new state, but also recognized monument of American literature.
  • 6. The value of the "Declaration" went beyond a single country. It was a sign that feudal rights can be eliminated. Instead power of kings - the power of the people, instead of class privileges - equality of rights, instead of the monarchy - republic. To achieve independence, the American people had to long bloody war with Britain. But in 1783 Britain recognized the independence of the United States. During the war years and shortly after the U.S. had ended with the remnants of feudalism, landowners, aristocrats expelled from the country abolished slavery whites and Negroes in Northern states (where there were few) were free. Authorities in the country passed into the hands of the bourgeoisie North and South planters. In the U.S., was a bourgeois revolution - the first American Revolution. But in the southern states remained enslaved blacks, and this led eventually to civil war - the second American Revolution.
  • 7. Works cited Declaration of Independence. 17 May, 2012, <http://www.history.com/topics/declaration-of independence> The Declaration of Independence. 17 May, 2012, <http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/>