Assignment Question

You are to write a paper explaining why the American colonists believed that they not only should, but must declare independence. With this paper, I want you to focus on the ideology behind separation with Great Britain, taking your ideas from John Locke and other theorists. You must cite the Declaration of Independence in your analysis. This paper must be at least two full pages, double-spaced.

Assignment Answer

Abstract

This analytical essay delves into the ideological underpinnings that drove the American colonists to not only consider but deem it necessary to declare independence from Great Britain. Drawing inspiration from political philosophers like John Locke and other theorists, this paper explores the profound influence of Enlightenment ideas on the American Revolution and highlights the role of the Declaration of Independence in articulating these principles.

Introduction

The American Revolution is a pivotal moment in history, and at its heart lies a profound belief in the right to self-determination and liberty. This essay explores why the American colonists believed that not only should they declare independence but that they must. It delves into the Enlightenment ideas, especially those of John Locke (Locke, 1689), and their impact on the colonists’ conviction for separation from Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence (Declaration of Independence, 1776) serves as a cornerstone document in this analysis, demonstrating how these ideas were articulated.

The Enlightenment Influence

The Enlightenment era ushered in a wave of intellectual and philosophical change in Europe, and its ideas found fertile ground in the American colonies. Key Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke provided the theoretical framework for the colonists’ pursuit of independence. Locke’s philosophy, which emphasized natural rights, the social contract, and the right to revolt against oppressive governments, profoundly shaped American political thought.

Natural Rights

Locke’s concept of natural rights, encompassing life, liberty, and property, resonated with the colonists’ grievances against British tyranny. They believed that these rights were not granted by governments but were inherent to every individual. The imposition of taxes, restrictions on trade, and the Quartering Act (Quartering Act, 1765) were seen as violations of these fundamental rights, motivating the colonists to seek independence.

The idea of natural rights, as expounded by Locke, asserted that every individual possessed certain inalienable rights simply by virtue of being human. These rights, which included life, liberty, and property, were not bestowed by governments but were intrinsic to humanity. Colonists viewed the British Crown’s actions as infringements upon these rights, prompting them to consider the necessity of independence (Locke, 1689).

In the realm of natural rights, John Locke’s influence on the American colonists cannot be overstated. Locke argued that these rights provided a moral foundation for legitimate government and that any government failing to protect these rights had violated its contract with the people. For the colonists, British rule had breached this contract, as they were subject to taxation without representation and other oppressive measures (Locke, 1689).

The Social Contract

Locke’s theory of the social contract argued that governments exist to protect the rights of their citizens. When a government fails in this duty and becomes oppressive, individuals have the right to dissolve the contract and establish a new government. The American colonists viewed British rule as a breach of this contract, as they had no representation in Parliament and were subjected to unjust laws and taxation.

The social contract theory, as elaborated by Locke, posits that individuals come together to form governments for the purpose of securing their rights. Governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed, and their primary duty is to protect the natural rights of citizens. If a government fails in this duty and becomes tyrannical, individuals have the right to revolt and establish a new government (Locke, 1689).

The American colonists, deeply influenced by Locke’s ideas, perceived British rule as a violation of this social contract. They argued that since they had no representation in the British Parliament and were subjected to laws and taxes imposed without their consent, the contract had been broken. This conviction played a pivotal role in their decision to declare independence (Locke, 1689).

Right to Revolution

The idea of the right to revolution, as espoused by Locke (Locke, 1689), was a compelling justification for independence. The Declaration of Independence itself echoes this concept, stating that it is the right and duty of the people to “throw off” oppressive governments. The colonists believed that they had exhausted all peaceful means of addressing their grievances and had no choice but to declare independence to secure their rights.

John Locke’s theory of the right to revolution held that when a government becomes tyrannical and infringes upon the natural rights of its citizens, the people have not only the right but also the duty to resist and overthrow that government. The American colonists, drawing upon this concept, asserted that they were duty-bound to break away from British rule, which they saw as increasingly tyrannical (Locke, 1689).

In the famous words of the Declaration of Independence, “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another…” (Declaration of Independence, 1776), the colonists articulated their belief that their situation had reached a point where it was not only necessary but imperative to sever ties with Great Britain. The document goes on to list a series of grievances, echoing Locke’s idea of the right to revolution, to justify their decision.

The Declaration of Independence

The Declaration of Independence (Declaration of Independence, 1776), authored primarily by Thomas Jefferson but influenced by the ideas of Locke (Locke, 1689) and other Enlightenment thinkers, serves as a testament to the colonists’ conviction. It eloquently declares the colonies’ separation from Britain, emphasizing the inherent rights of all individuals and the duty to resist tyranny. The document articulates the colonists’ belief that they not only should but must declare independence to protect these rights.

Thomas Jefferson, the primary author of the Declaration of Independence, was heavily influenced by John Locke’s philosophy. In the opening paragraph of the document, Jefferson echoes Locke’s ideas of natural rights and the purpose 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.” (Declaration of Independence, 1776).

Furthermore, the Declaration explicitly states the right to revolution when it declares 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.” (Declaration of Independence, 1776). This language reflects Locke’s belief in the right and duty of individuals to overthrow oppressive governments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American colonists’ decision to declare independence from Great Britain was grounded in a deep-seated belief in the principles of the Enlightenment, particularly those of John Locke (Locke, 1689). The ideas of natural rights, the social contract, and the right to revolution provided a compelling moral and philosophical basis for their separation. The Declaration of Independence (Declaration of Independence, 1776) encapsulated these ideals and immortalized them in history. This pivotal moment in American history continues to resonate as a testament to the enduring power of ideas and the pursuit of liberty.

References

Locke, J. (1689). Second Treatise of Government.

Declaration of Independence. (1776).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What role did John Locke play in shaping the American colonists’ belief in independence?

John Locke’s ideas, particularly those on natural rights, the social contract, and the right to revolution, profoundly influenced the American colonists’ conviction for independence. They found in Locke’s philosophy a moral and philosophical basis for their separation from Great Britain.

2. How did the concept of natural rights impact the American colonists’ decision to declare independence?

The concept of natural rights, as articulated by John Locke, asserted that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property. The colonists believed that British actions, such as taxation without representation, violated these rights and therefore justified their pursuit of independence.

3. What were the key grievances of the American colonists against British rule, and how did these grievances align with John Locke’s ideas?

The American colonists’ grievances included taxation without representation, restrictions on trade, and the Quartering Act. These grievances aligned with Locke’s philosophy, as they represented violations of natural rights and the social contract.

4. How did the social contract theory influence the American Revolution and the decision to declare independence?

John Locke’s social contract theory posited that governments exist to protect citizens’ natural rights. The American colonists believed that British rule had breached this contract, leading them to assert their right to establish a new government through independence.

5. Why is the Declaration of Independence considered a reflection of Enlightenment ideas, including those of John Locke?

The Declaration of Independence, authored with influence from John Locke’s philosophy, explicitly states the right to revolution and emphasizes the protection of natural rights. It serves as a testament to the colonists’ belief that they not only should but must declare independence to safeguard these principles.