Author |
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 |
Title |
United States Declaration of Independence
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Note |
See also #1 - Project Gutenberg's original version.
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Note |
Reading ease score: 46.5 (College-level). Difficult to read.
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Credits |
Produced by Michael S. Hart
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Summary |
"The Declaration of Independence" is a seminal historical document crafted by the Founding Fathers of the United States, specifically authored by Thomas Jefferson and other members of the Continental Congress in the late 18th century. This important text serves not only as a declaration of independence from British rule but also outlines the philosophical basis for the United States’ formation, emphasizing the principles of equality and the rights of individuals. The document articulates grievances against King George III, detailing the various injustices and oppressive actions that justified the colonies' decision to sever ties with Great Britain. It asserts that all men are created equal and are endowed with certain unalienable rights, such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The Declaration goes on to enumerate a list of the king's transgressions against the colonies, marking him as a tyrant unfit to govern. Ultimately, it culminates in the assertion that the thirteen colonies are free and independent states, fully empowered to govern themselves and engage with the world as sovereign entities. This powerful statement not only informs the historical context of the American Revolution but also has had a lasting impact on democratic ideas globally. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
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Language |
English |
LoC Class |
E201: History: America: Revolution (1775-1783)
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LoC Class |
JK: Political science: Political inst. and pub. Admin.: United States
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Subject |
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources
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Category |
Text |
EBook-No. |
300 |
Release Date |
Jul 1, 1995 |
Most Recently Updated |
Apr 20, 2015 |
Copyright Status |
Public domain in the USA. |
Downloads |
246 downloads in the last 30 days. |
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