Why is the declaration of independence so important?
According to Maier, the last paragraph of the declaration was the most important at the time to the revolutionary generation. The last paragraph called for independence, which was a treasonous act. Later generations, after 1815, looked to the second paragraph as the most memorable. It is the second paragraph which all generations have looked to for inspiration. According to Maier, Jefferson intended the Declaration to be read in public forums. He therefore spent hours drafting the document so it could eloquently be expressed aloud. Jefferson drew on earlier documents to express what was in the minds of American revolutionaries. Those earlier documents were the very same documents that each state declaration turned to — primarily the English Declaration of Rights adopted after the “Glorious Revolution”. From this document the structure and original purpose of the Declaration was taken. Americans, as Maier points out, imitated a practice of their English forefathers: they made their dec
Well, to start off…The declaration of independence was the document that OFFICIALLY declared independence from Britain. It was the first time the American colonists sent a letter of grievances to the king. Overall, it helped to establish the country of America…that’s why we celebrate July 4th each year to commemorate this event!
