Brief: Thomas Jefferson's "The Declaration of Independence."
Thomas Jefferson
Credentials:
An apostle of liberty
Powerful orator
Studied Law from the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg
The draftsman of the first declaration of independence of the United States
Second Vice president and third president of US
Responsible for Louisiana purchase
Advocated for the separation of religion from the State
Founded the University of Virginia
Designed and build Monticello
A revolutionist
Presuppositions:
Strongly believed in liberty and racial equality
Only by wholly voluntary loyalty to the king
Advocate for freedom and human equality
Faith in his institution
Partial Christian believer
Audience:
The letter was addressed to the Continental Congress as an illustration of how their British Brethren had lost their patience and also to tell the world that patience had been lost on account of various reasons. Thomas perceived that it was necessary for America to rule itself and be detached from the colonies who were the British government. He advocates on the equality of human beings, asserting that humans are made alike and they are endowed by their creator with certain unchallengeable rights among them, life liberty and search for happiness. Thomas wants his audience to understand that their rights as American citizens have been violated by the colony, under the leadership of King George.
According to Thomas, the rational people have to ouster such government that violates their rights and provide Guards for their future security which the colony has failed to do. Though the letter is addressed to Congress, it was published as an open later. The message is more likely meant for politicians and proletariats of the United States. The tone of the letter is aggressive and is a deliberate attempt to bring a revolution for freedom and self-rule in The United States of America. In conclusion, the message by Thomas may be meant to address the black community, which was used as slaves in the United States during the colonial period.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Presuppositions:
The king does not want to follow laws as stated in the United States Constitution
He has forbidden governors to pass legislation
The King and his clergy have superior positions in the states whereby they not only oppress the citizens but also deny them freedom for their life
The white use the black community as slaves with the consent of the king which have promoted racism and created a social order over equality
Americans also require freedom to make and decide for their laws as per the constitution and too good leadership
The British government have not been listening to the cries of people in the US, and therefore action has to be taken against them
Purpose:
To demand and declare the independence of the United States. Thomas Jefferson denounces the connection between the British government and the United States. He declares their freedom and independence, full power to levy tax and rule over themselves rather than being under the rule of the British government. He asserts that the patience that the Americans had has not been obeyed by the British, and it is now time for America to act. He goes ahead to give a quote that all human are equal before the creator and hence He is against the social injustice of racism and slavery. Thomas finalizes by pointing out that it is through action that the United States will gain independence.
Exigency:
Persistent political stagnation and economic independence. The self-declaration was necessary because King George was steadfast in his ruling and did not give the Congress and governors power to pass the laws. He denied blacks the freedom of ownership, and the United States people did not have dominion over their military or any civil rights. The economy of the United States was at a stagnated state despite that America had attained their independence politically.
Analysis/Reflection:
Scholars and other people today have argued that Thomas' letter on the declaration for independence played essential roles in finding justice for the American people as a nation. The announcement also acted as a basis of ending King George's leadership. The issuance of this declaration was part of an economic battle which the American had every intention of winning, and therefore laying out every reason to act was a good move from the author. Others argue that the declaration was too pleading that with the way King George and the British colonial ruled, it should have been more aggressive language than used.
