The Declaration of Independence
Jefferson’s jewel
Philosophy
• Based on the ideas of John Locke. 3 parts:
• 1. (a) “All men are created equal and are
endowed by their creator with certain
unalienable rights, including life, liberty and
the pursuit of happiness.”
• (b) “To secure these rights, governments are
instituted among men, deriving their power
from the consent of the governed.”
• © “Whenever the government becomes
destructive of these ends, it is the right of
the people to alter or abolish it, and to
institute a new government.”
• 2. List of grievances.
• 3. Conclusion. “these united colonies are,
and of right ought to be, free and
independent states.
Significance of the D of I
• Elevated the struggle into a war for
independence.
• Encouraged France and Spain to assist the
colonists.
• Made possible the 1778 alliance between
France and US.
• A source of inspiration throughout history
in both the USA and the world.