The Declaration of Independence states, “In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant is unfit to be ruler of a free people”. Basically, the Declaration of Independence is saying that it attempted to separate itself from England in a peaceful manner, but now due to a lack of response, America must become its own nation through forcible measures. The desire for separation arose because, “attempts by their legislature to extent an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here”.
This idea is exactly what the Enlightenment is talking about. The Enlightenment focused on the ideals of democracy and liberty. Americans had finally stepped up as individuals and united to take a stand against the oppression of Britain. Americans wanted freedom and through a unanimous vote of 56 men on July 4, 1776; they wrote and swore their Declaration of Independence.
Why did the Americans not rebel against England earlier?
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