Why is the Declaration of Independence Important Today? Part 2

Last time, I gave one reason why the Declaration of Independence is important today - because it is the basis and foundation for everything that has come in America since. There would not have been a Constitution or Bill of Rights had it not been for the Declaration of Independence.

Another reason is simply because it laid out the reasons that the Revolutionary War was necessary. Have you read the Declaration recently? Declaration of Independence did not start the American Revolutionary War. The War had been raging for more than a year before the Declaration was adopted. But, the Declaration gave purpose to the war. Most Americans today realize that the founders declared their rights in the Declaration. However, the founders did more than just declare their rights - they very clearly laid out why it was necessary to declare independence. They said,

"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation."

So, the founding fathers were telling the world, and future generations - "here are the reasons that we are separating from Great Britain." They weren't asking for anyone's permission, but they were laying out their case before the world then and today. They were saying, "Here is what the King has done to us. Because of these things, we are fighting for our freedom."

So, what were the reasons for independence? While acknowledging that "Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes,"

Thomas Jefferson and the founders listed off the "long train of abuses and usurpations" that showed "a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism." Because of the following abuses, Jefferson argues that "it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."

Jefferson goes on. "Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world." Jefferson and the signers of the Declaration then proceed to list off 27 abuses enacted upon them by the King. These 27 abuses cover a range of topics, from judicial activism, the lack of justice, moral issues, and tax issues. Although the topic of "taxation without representation" is the most often referenced today as the cause for independence, the founders only listed it once, 17^th out of the 27 grievances.

These 27 grievances laid out the case of the colonists as they waged their war for independence. Upon receiving a copy of the Declaration on July 9, 1776, George Washington had it read before his troops. He wanted to instill in them the sense of purpose to their battle. Washington, in his General orders for the day, said "The General hopes this important Event will serve as a fresh incentive to every officer, and soldier, to act with Fidelity and Courage, as knowing that now the peace and safety of his Country depends (under God) solely on the success of our arms: And that he is now in the service of a State, possessed of sufficient power to reward his merit, and advance him to the highest Honors of a free Country."

So, why is the Declaration of Independence important today? Because it teaches us why the founders thought that it was necessary to declare independence. It gives us the list of 27 grievances by the colonies that led them to this action. It shows us that the founders of the United States of America did not go to war lightly or without cause. Also, it gave a renewed purpose for the soldiers of the new Continental Army which ultimately led to victory and the longevity of the United States of America.

Next time I will address another answer to the question - "Why is the Declaration of Independence Important Today?"