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Context:

• July 4th marks the 248th Independence Day of the United States, a pivotal moment in history commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Details

• This document laid the groundwork for the United States as a union of states liberated from British rule, articulating fundamental principles of freedom, equality, and self-governance.

Colonists’ Discontent with Britain

• Background: More than 150 years after British colonization efforts began in North America, tensions between the colonists and Britain escalated.
• Issues: Colonists lacked representation in the British Parliament but were subject to taxes and laws imposed without consent.

Shift from 'Salutary Neglect' to Stricter Control

• Policy Change: Following the French and Indian War (1763), Britain abandoned its policy of 'salutary neglect,' imposing tighter control over its American colonies.
• Key Acts: The Sugar Act (1764), Stamp Act (1765), Tea Act (1773), and Intolerable Acts (1774) heightened colonial discontent and resistance.

Enlightenment Ideas and Revolutionary Sentiment

• Influence: Enlightenment philosophies, advocating for natural rights and government by consent, fueled revolutionary sentiments among American colonists.
• Boston Tea Party: In 1773, the Sons of Liberty protested British taxation policies by famously dumping tea into Boston Harbor, symbolizing defiance against unjust taxation without representation.

Road to Independence

• Continental Congress: In response to British oppression, the Continental Congress convened to coordinate resistance efforts and pursue grievances.
• Armed Conflict: By April 1775, armed conflict erupted between colonial militias and British troops, marking the beginning of the Revolutionary War.

Declaration of Independence

• Adoption: On July 2, 1776, the Continental Congress voted for independence from Britain.
• Drafting: Thomas Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence, which eloquently articulated grievances against King George III and affirmed natural rights.
• Signing: Signed on July 4, 1776, by representatives of the thirteen colonies, the Declaration declared the colonies' independence and asserted their right to self-governance.

Legacy and Significance

• Founding Principles: The Declaration of Independence asserted enduring principles of equality, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
• National Holiday: July 4th has been celebrated as a national holiday since 1777, serving as a unifying annual commemoration of American independence and democratic ideals.

Conclusion

• This historical journey from colonial discontent to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence encapsulates the spirit of America's founding principles and continues to resonate deeply in the nation's collective consciousness.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Explain how the Declaration of Independence (1776) articulated principles of freedom, equality, and self-governance for states liberated from British rule. Discuss its impact on early American governance and its influence on global movements for independence.

SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS