The Declaration of Independence stands as a cornerstone document in American history and a beacon of liberty for people worldwide. Penned in 1776, it articulates the fundamental reasons why the thirteen British colonies declared their independence from Great Britain. This document, rich in philosophical ideals and grievances, continues to resonate today, influencing political thought and movements for self-determination across the globe. Here, we present the full transcription of the Declaration, allowing you to Read Online this pivotal text and understand its enduring significance.
Preamble: Declaring the Necessity of Separation
The Declaration begins by setting the stage for a momentous decision. It acknowledges that when a people finds it necessary to sever political ties with another nation, “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind” compels them to explain their reasons. This opening statement immediately establishes a tone of reasoned justification and appeals to universal principles of justice and human rights.
When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
This preamble is crucial for understanding the context. The Founding Fathers felt obligated to not only declare independence but also to articulate the philosophical and moral basis for such a radical act. They weren’t simply rebelling; they were asserting a right grounded in “the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God.”
Statement of Principles: Unalienable Rights and the Purpose of Government
The Declaration then moves into its most famous and impactful section – the assertion of self-evident truths and unalienable rights. This is where the document transcends a mere list of grievances and becomes a powerful statement of human equality and the legitimate basis of government.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that 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.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
This passage outlines core Enlightenment ideals that were revolutionary for the time. It proclaims that:
- Equality: “All men are created equal.” This radical idea challenged the hierarchical societies prevalent in the 18th century.
- Unalienable Rights: Individuals are born with rights that cannot be taken away, including “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These rights are inherent and precede government.
- Government by Consent: Governments derive their legitimacy from “the consent of the governed.” Power resides in the people, not in a monarch or ruling class.
- Right to Revolution: When government becomes destructive of these rights, the people have the right to alter or abolish it. This justifies the American Revolution as a necessary response to tyranny.
List of Grievances: Evidence of Tyranny
Following the statement of principles, the Declaration provides a lengthy list of grievances against King George III and the British government. This section serves as the factual justification for the colonies’ decision to declare independence. It meticulously details specific actions and policies that the colonists viewed as violations of their rights and evidence of a deliberate attempt to establish “absolute Tyranny.”
The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
The grievances are presented as “Facts” submitted to “a candid world,” further emphasizing the colonists’ desire to justify their actions on the world stage. The list covers a wide range of complaints, broadly categorized as:
- Legislative Abuses: Refusal to assent to laws, dissolving representative houses, obstructing legislation.
- Judicial and Administrative Overreach: Obstructing justice, making judges dependent on the King, creating new offices to harass colonists.
- Military Actions: Keeping standing armies without consent, making military superior to civil power, quartering troops.
- Economic Oppression: Cutting off trade, imposing taxes without consent.
- Violation of Fundamental Rights: Depriving trial by jury, transporting colonists for trial overseas, abolishing laws and charters.
- Acts of War: Plundering seas, burning towns, employing foreign mercenaries, inciting domestic insurrections.
Each grievance is a specific charge against the King, painting a picture of a ruler who has systematically violated the colonists’ rights and freedoms. Reading through this list provides a powerful insight into the colonists’ frustrations and the escalating tensions that led to the revolution.
Declaration of Independence: Asserting Sovereignty
After detailing the philosophical basis and the factual justifications, the Declaration culminates in a formal declaration of independence. This is the definitive statement that severs the political bonds with Great Britain and asserts the colonies’ status as free and independent states.
We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do.
This resolute declaration is the heart of the document. It formally announces to the world that the colonies are no longer under British rule and possess all the powers and rights of sovereign nations. The signatories, representing the “good People of these Colonies,” pledge their “Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” to support this declaration, underscoring the immense risks they were taking.
Signatories: Pledging Lives, Fortunes, and Honor
The Declaration concludes with the names of the signatories, representing each of the thirteen colonies. These men, later hailed as Founding Fathers, put their names to a document that was considered treasonous by the British Crown. Their signatures were an act of immense courage and commitment.
Georgia
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George WaltonNorth Carolina
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John PennSouth Carolina
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur MiddletonMassachusetts
John HancockMaryland
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of CarrolltonVirginia
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter BraxtonPennsylvania
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George RossDelaware
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKeanNew York
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis MorrisNew Jersey
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham ClarkNew Hampshire
Josiah Bartlett
William WhippleMassachusetts
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge GerryRhode Island
Stephen Hopkins
William ElleryConnecticut
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver WolcottNew Hampshire
Matthew Thornton
Reading the names of these signatories serves as a powerful reminder of the individuals who risked everything for the cause of American independence.
Experience the Declaration Online
By making the full text of the Declaration of Independence available to read online, we aim to provide accessible access to this foundational document. Whether you are a student, historian, or simply a curious citizen, we encourage you to engage with the Declaration, reflect on its words, and understand its lasting impact on the world. Explore the grievances, contemplate the principles of liberty, and appreciate the courage of those who declared independence in 1776.
