1 3 Declaration of Independence and Democracy Background

1. 3 Declaration of Independence and Democracy

Background Info. America: as a Nation • Born of the enlightenment • Acceptance of the principle of freedom • Looking for better life • Strong middle class • Egalitarian feelings • Lack of a dominant church • Technical/scientific orientation

Implementation of Enlightened Concepts • First and second Continental Congress • Thomas Paine’s Common Senseargued for independence

Declaration of Independence • Inspired by: – Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” • Made better with Jefferson’s creativity – The Enlightenment • Written for the colonists loyal to the King and directed at the King • Was very risky • Established a break from England; must still must fight in the American Revolution and win

Impact of Declaration of Independence • Americans made it possible to enter into an alliance with other nations. – French king didn’t support the ideals of democracy, but following the success Saratoga, they began to provide $/resources to colonists – proved invaluable to victory at Yorktown. • Had an impact on the newly formed state govts and the Articles of Confederation

Impact cont. • Postwar Americans began to put the principles of the Declaration into practice. • States in the North passed laws that provided for the gradual emancipation of slaves. • States also provided for freedom of religion. • Restricted the right to vote to those who owned property (ownership was widespread at this point so many males could exercise that right). • Still, the principles of the Declaration of Independence remained unfulfilled for certain groups.