...------------------------------------------------- AMERICAN DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE Civil Rights Movement Deyana Faraj On the 4th of July 1776, 56 delegates to the Continental Congress signed a document that would not only declare independence of America from British colonial power but less than 200 years later, become the backbone of a new established America where the walls of discrimination and segregation would finally begin to deteriorate. The Declaration of Independence is a powerful document that has led to the development of equal rights and social justice within societies on a world context. More specifically, principles in this document were instrumental when argued by African American Civil Rights leaders in achieving equality and abolishing racial segregation and discrimination against African- Americans in the United States, during the African American Civil Rights Movement (1954-1968). Before the American Civil Rights Movement, laws known as Jim Crow laws had forced racial segregation of facilities and the prohibition of intermarriage. These laws were similar to the apartheid legislation and it became the law mainly in the south of America. Where there is inequality and injustice within a government, the people of the nation demand change. Since the Jim Crow laws were enacted, the laws that mandated racial segregation in public areas and the prohibition of intermarriage in the Southern United States were socially and morally unjust and this fuelled...
Words: 2034 - Pages: 9
...A Declaration of Sentiments, and the Texas Declaration of Independence Comparative analysis - American Declaration of Independence 1) So apt and eloquent was Thomas Jefferson’s expressive writing in the Declaration of Independence that many others have come to use his document as a template for iterating declaratory appeals of their own. In the case of The Declaration of Sentiments, Elizabeth Cady Stanton is seen to use Jefferson’s declaration as both inspiration, and archetype for her own declaration in opposition of the “repeated injuries and usurpations on the part of man toward woman.” Stanton surely made use of the recognition, and authority which the Declaration of Independence held, during the creation of her preamble. Stanton continued in her writing to include a list of grievances which, while similar in wording and structure to Jefferson’s grievances, expressed a much different intent. The two documents differ here, as the original Declaration of Independence demonstrates how the freedom and integrity of men was denied by the transgressions of their king, while the Declaration of Sentiments demonstrates how the freedom and integrity of women, is denied by men. To better create a sense of sympathy for the plight of woman-kind, and to bridge empathy between women and the rest of the American public, Elizabeth Cady Stanton carefully emulated the wording and style of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident...
Words: 1080 - Pages: 5
...from the Text of The Declaration of Independence Abstract The Declaration of Independence is a statement of the American Revolutionary War and also an important defense of bourgeois rights. Studying carefully American cultural values from The Declaration of Independence, we can better understand the core of our Chinese cultural values and get to know the main differences and similarities between these two value systems. In this way, we will find all the advantages and disadvantages regarding both cultural values, and thus learn those good ones while overcome the shortcomings. This thesis falls into five chapters. In the first chapter, the necessity and significance of the study are introduced. In Chapter Two, some definitions of key terms included in or related to this thesis are presented, including Value, Cultural Value and The Declaration of Independence. Chapter Three mainly concerns the analysis of the text of The Declaration of Independence. By analyzing the text, the main cultural values related are demonstrated as liberty, equality and democracy. Then each cultural value is explained respectively and thoroughly with proper examples. Chapter Four mainly discusses the contradictions and conflicts inherent in those American cultural values, showing that American cultural values is a double-edged sword. The last chapter is the conclusion part which summarizes the whole thesis. Key Words: American, The Declaration of Independence, cultural values Contents ...
Words: 5053 - Pages: 21
...Influences on the Constitution Table Complete each section below. Include citations for your sources. |Documents |Summary |What was its influence on the Constitution? | |Magna Carta |Magna Carta is a document that King John of England was forced |Magna Carta served to lay the foundation for the evolution of parliamentary clause | | |into signing. The document was a succession of written promises|of the United States Constitution and enforced by the Supreme Court. | | |made between the king and his subjects that he would govern | | | |England and its people in accordance with the customs of feudal| | | |law. ("History Learning Site ", 2000-2013). | | |Mayflower Compact |Mayflower Compact is one if the first governing document of |The Mayflower Compact called for equality amongst people and the provision of | | ...
Words: 1535 - Pages: 7
...Founding Documents for the United States of America Liberty University A Comparison of the Founding Documents for the United States of America This document will provide a brief comparison and synopsis of some of the most important writings of our time: The Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson’s letter to the Danbury Baptists, and the U.S. Constitution. Also, this will be an analysis of what I believe the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution thought about the separation of church and state, as well as God from government. The Declaration of Independence was written on July 4, 1776 by Thomas Jefferson. Its purpose was to officially separate the colonies from Great Britain and the tyrant of a king. In doing so, Jefferson lists out 27 reasons why they should separate, with the three main points being, “All men are created equal…, All men have some rights given to them by God…, That among these rights are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Carr, 2015). Therefore when the government infringes on these rights, the people of the county have the right to make changes or get rid of it, in this case, the King and Great Britain altogether. Some examples of the King of Great Britain’s wrongdoings were that “he interfered with the people’s rights to self-govern and for a fair judicial system… imposed taxes without their consent… and cut off trade with all parts of the world” (Jefferson, 2015). The end result of this document permitted...
Words: 1147 - Pages: 5
...University of Phoenix Material Influences on the Constitution Table Write one or two paragraphs in each section. Include citations for your sources. Documents Summary What was its influence on the Constitution? Magna Carta Magna Carta, also called Magna Carta Libertatum or The Great Charter of the Liberties of England, is an English charter, originally issued in Latin in the year 1215, translated into vernacular-French as early as 1219,[1] and reissued later in the 13th century in changed versions. The later versions excluded the most direct challenges to the monarch's authority that had been present in the 1215 charter. The charter first passed into law in 1225; the 1297 version, with the long title (originally in Latin) "The Great Charter of the Liberties of England, and of the Liberties of the Forest," still remains on the statute books of England and Wales. The 1215 charter required King John of England to proclaim certain liberties, and accept that his will was not arbitrary, for example by explicitly accepting that no "freeman" (in the sense of non-serf) could be punished except through the law of the land, a right which is still in existence today. Magna Carta was the principal document forced onto an English King by a group of his matters, the feudal barons, in an effort to limit his powers by law and protect their privileges. It was followed and directly influenced by the Charter of Liberties in 1100, in which King Henry I had specified particular...
Words: 3705 - Pages: 15
...The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions was one of America’s most utilizing tools for advocating women’s rights. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the brave author and advocate of this amazing document set before the government apposing legitimate rights for all women across the U.S. With the help of other women who were “fed up,” Elizabeth Stanton, stood and presented the first ever, unlawful acts against, that were posed upon woman in the 18th century and every year before that. In Seneca Falls, NY in 1848 at the very first women’s rights convention, was where the independence of women’s rights finally took a turn for the better. Not only was “The Declaration of Sentiments and Resolutions,” presented during the same month that the congress passed “The Declaration of Independence,” but was actually rooted back to the very same objective as “The Declaration of Independence.” Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the most influential women of the 19th century. Leading campaigns for women’s rights, Stanton’s goal was focused on "gaining opportunities for women such as; the right to appeal for a divorce, the right for complete custody of her own children, property rights, and her most fundamental demand at that time was for; women’s right to vote. Stanton was determined to put a stop to segregation between men and woman but also wished to instill independence and self-reliance in women nationwide. Within doing so, Stanton revised many imperative speeches, not only “The Declaration of Sentiments...
Words: 1322 - Pages: 6
...lead up of the Civil War to keep ease between both sides on the issue. Before the brink of war however there was this one case that went to The Supreme Court that thickened the plot of war even more. The outcome of this case even got a response from the President of that time, Abraham Lincoln. The historical case that was Dred Scott v. Sanford. Both sides in the Dred Scott decision interpreted the Founding documents differently and concluded with very different decisions....
Words: 892 - Pages: 4
...Humanities March 23, 2016 Word Count: 1470 America’s Co-Founders The Declaration of Independence is arguable the most important and wide known document in American history. On July 4, 1776 this document signaled America’s separation from the British Empire to the world. America is defined by the men and the minds, behind the declaration; most notably by the author, Thomas Jefferson. The boundaries of the government and rights of its citizens were crucial during the formation of this constitution since these principles were exactly the reason for the uprising of the original thirteen colonies. Thomas Jefferson dedicated most of his life to the crucial needs of America and its government in order to form a true republic of the people. Like many of the Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson strengthened his beliefs through personal studies and deep examination of European history. Many history books will tell that the contributing factors that formed Thomas Jefferson’s ideas of the identity of America were linked to events such as the Reformation, the Renaissance, and the British Country party. However, one man’s works continually surfaced in Jefferson’s political and even private writings. John Locke, a British Enlightenment philosopher, was repeatedly referenced in documents like the Declaration of Independence, the Notes on the State of Virginia, and the Summary View of the Rights of British America. Jefferson repeatedly used Locke’s concepts as would even sometimes use the...
Words: 1314 - Pages: 6
..."One hundred year later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination." King also states numerous times his dream for equality in the country. He says "I have a dream my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." However, King uses many historical documents to support his argument. The first document he mentions is the Emancipation Proclamation. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order signed by President Lincoln freeing the slaves in the confederate states. It was the first step in equality for African-Americans. King also mentions the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. He references these documents and our founding father's promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all men, "black men as well as white men." The United States Constitution defines the fundamental law of the United States federal government. The Declaration of Independence is written by Thomas Jefferson and adopted by the Second Continental Congress, states the reasons the British colonies of North...
Words: 627 - Pages: 3
...population during the legislation process as well as appealing to the Constitution, which was ratified and created after the American Revolution ended. Generally speaking, the populous was constantly appealed to during the Constitution creation process that resulted from the American Revolution (1775-1783)—independence from Great Britain. This concept is predominantly represented when the state constitutions are discussed. Under John Adams, the...
Words: 495 - Pages: 2
...LatishaDollison HIS/115 Mr. Randy Shuler Constitution Paper University of Phoenix 3/29/15 America is glorified as a land of freedom. As a country we have certain rights and Privileges gained simply by the fact that we are American citizens. We are also fortunate that these rights are protected through what is called the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. These Documents protect our truths and rights as a citizen. This wasn’t always so. There had to be a Time before the Constitution and in that time it was a verbal war between those for it an against. The people who were for the Constitution were called Federalists. These people Understood that the Constitution that was being debated was highly important if not essential to the form of government the people desired. They were well organized men and women. Surprisingly they were less than half the population. Because of their organization and determinism they did end up winning the verbal war and the constitution was accepted and Ratified by all the states eventually. The Federalists procured victory over a long period of time however. It was a slow ongoing war. They were fighting against many people and sometimes almost whole states. The Process was laborious and harsh. It was back and forth and George Washington stated in his letter to Henry Knox, “Under the circumstances enumerated in your letters, the favorable decision, which has taken place in that State, could hardly have been expected. Nothing less than...
Words: 1303 - Pages: 6
...Social Justice Analysis Delia M. Card Frontier Nursing University Social Justice Analysis John Rawls identifies justice by two principles. The first as equal rights for every person with the same extent of liberties for all, and the second as inequalities that are shared by all for the advantage of all and freedom for anyone to hold any position (Bankston, III, 2010). The Research College of Nursing (2009) further accepts social justice as “fair treatment regardless of economic status, ethnicity, age, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation.” These both sound much like the first truth in the Declaration of Independence; “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” (ushistory.org., 2013). However, social injustice in America and around the globe is an ever present problem. I have personally witnessed in the hospital setting how the less fortunate are treated with disrespect and many times disregard. Social justice looks great on paper but will it ever be a reality? According to the mission statement of the World Trade Organization (WTO) (2013), the WTO primary purpose is to assist world trade flow with minimal undesirable side effects. The WTO is responsible for monitoring international trade contracts to keep such trade within specified limits (World Trade Organization, 2013). Between 1986 – 1994 the WTO established the Trade Related Aspects...
Words: 725 - Pages: 3
...the ground which the men fought on because of how much sentimental value that piece of land has. Lincoln started his speech off by trying to persuade the audience with statements that the audience would believe and will hopefully catch their attention such as the following. “... dedicated to the proposition that all men are equal.”. This was referenced from the Declaration of Independence and the bible. “Four score and seven years ago” refers to the day which the Declaration of Independence was signed. That really catches the audience and makes them think. He thought people should trust his word because it is stated in both documents. The Civil War, which is a main point he reaches in his speech, has a big part in ethnocentrism (the judging of another culture by the standards and values of one's own). War is technically based off this because it is caused by different nations, or in this case different sections of a nation, differences on a subject. Audience analysis technically was the fact that he had a couple different people analyze his speech before he gave the official speech. When different people analysis it would help him to change some sentences that weren’t clear, so people could easily interpret what he is trying to say.The information that he has written in his speech was understandable by his audience due to their age group being in the adult range. When he said “The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they...
Words: 742 - Pages: 3
...A Rhetorical Analysis of MLK Jr.’s “I have a dream” Speech Martin Luther King Jr. gave a speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial during the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, one hundred years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which outstandingly furthered the civil rights movement. At that time, racial segregation, police brutality, and other forms of racial inequality were terribly prominent in America. The speech successfully focused the country’s attention at the need for racial equality “Now” (King, I Have a Dream). King gave the speech in order to motivate his followers to peacefully continue to demonstrate, protest, and boycott until they were fully granted the equality and privileges that any other citizen was allowed to have. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech is his most notable, and one of the most influential of Twentieth-Century-America because of his excellent rhetorical use of repetition and anaphora, contrasting metaphors, and appropriate quotations and allusions throughout the speech. Martin Luther King Jr. used a profuse amount of repetition and anaphora throughout his speech. A subtle form of repetition, the repetition of singular words, was mainly used to emphasize key themes in the speech and keep them in the minds of the audience. Such repeated key themes were “freedom”, “justice” and “injustice”, “America” and “American”, and plural nouns such as “we” and “our”. Since the preceding words were repeated so frequently...
Words: 847 - Pages: 4
