The provided excerpt from the Declaration of Independence serves a crucial purpose: to persuade the reader, and indeed the world, that Britain’s actions towards the American colonies were unjust and unwarranted. It’s not simply a recounting of historical facts; it’s a carefully constructed argument a...
British Treatment of the Colonists
The excerpt meticulously outlines the colonists' grievances against British rule. The phrase "an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us" directly accuses Britain of exceeding its legitimate authority. The author doesn't focus on specific military actions, but rather on the fundamental issue of unjust governance. The mention of "attempts by their legislature to extend" suggests a pattern of increasing encroachment on colonial autonomy. The repeated appeals to "native justice and magnanimity" and "the ties of our common kindred" underscore the colonists' belief in a shared heritage and their expectation of fair treatment. The repeated failures of these appeals directly support the author's claim that the colonies had been treated unfairly, driving them to the point of declaring independence.
The Importance of Context: Preceding Events
Understanding the author's purpose requires examining the broader context of the Declaration. The excerpt comes from a document declaring independence, a momentous decision not taken lightly. Years of escalating tensions between Britain and the colonies preceded this declaration. The colonists felt increasingly burdened by taxes imposed without their consent (like the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts), and frustrated by restrictions on their trade and self-governance. These policies were seen as violating the fundamental rights of the colonists as Englishmen. Therefore, the excerpt doesn't stand in isolation; it's a piece of a larger argument built upon a foundation of previous grievances and failed attempts at negotiation. The excerpt only makes sense within the context of the growing resentment and frustration that fueled the American Revolution.
Rhetorical Strategies Employed
The excerpt employs powerful rhetorical strategies to achieve its persuasive purpose. The repeated use of "we" creates a sense of unity and shared experience among the colonists. The author appeals to pathos (emotion) by invoking shared kinship ("ties of our common kindred") and emphasizing the colonists’ disappointment at Britain's failure to respond to their pleas. The appeals to "justice" and "magnanimity" constitute appeals to ethos (credibility), suggesting that the colonists' actions are morally justifiable. Finally, the use of carefully chosen words, such as "unwarrantable jurisdiction" and "usurpations," paints a picture of Britain as an unjust and overreaching power. The concluding sentence, noting Britain's deafness to "the voice of justice and of consanguinity," serves as a powerful indictment of British actions and underscores the necessity for the colonists to seek independence.
The Significance of "Deaf to the Voice of Justice"
The phrase "They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity" is a powerful summary of the colonists' argument. It implies a deliberate disregard by Britain of both fundamental principles of justice and the bonds of family and shared heritage. The repetition of "deaf" emphasizes the deliberate nature of Britain's inaction, implying a conscious choice to ignore the colonists' pleas. This deliberate disregard, the author argues, leaves the colonists with no alternative but to declare independence. The phrase acts as a powerful rhetorical device, encapsulating the entire argument and bringing the reader to the inevitable conclusion: separation is necessary due to Britain’s blatant disregard for the moral and familial ties connecting the two entities.
The Absence of Specific Acts of Aggression
Noticeably absent from this excerpt are detailed descriptions of specific acts of British military aggression. This omission is intentional. The author's focus is on the political and philosophical justification for independence, not a military history. The grievances are presented as systematic violations of rights and principles, rather than a series of isolated incidents. While military clashes certainly played a role in escalating tensions, the excerpt strategically avoids dwelling on them. Instead, it emphasizes the fundamental incompatibility of British policies with the colonists' vision of self-governance and their inherent rights. This focus on principles, rather than specific events, elevates the argument to a broader philosophical plane, strengthening its persuasiveness.
Comparison with Other Grievances in the Declaration
This excerpt forms part of a longer list of grievances in the Declaration of Independence. Other sections detail specific acts of oppression, including taxation without representation, quartering of troops, and obstruction of colonial trade. This excerpt serves as a powerful introduction and summary, emphasizing the failure of the colonists' attempts at peaceful resolution. By presenting the repeated appeals to Britain's sense of justice and kinship before listing specific grievances, the authors establish a clear narrative: peaceful solutions were attempted and failed, leading to the necessity of revolution. This structure reinforces the author's argument by highlighting the failure of diplomacy and the justification for declaring independence.
Conclusion: A Powerful Argument for Independence
The excerpt’s purpose is not to provide a comprehensive history of British-colonial relations or to detail every act of military aggression. Instead, its purpose is to persuasively argue for the justification of American independence. By emphasizing the repeated failures of peaceful appeals and the systematic violation of colonial rights, the author constructs a powerful case for revolution. The strategic use of rhetoric and the carefully chosen language all contribute to a compelling narrative that aimed to justify the break with Britain to both a domestic and international audience. The excerpt is a powerful testament to the colonists' belief in their own rights and their determination to secure their future free from what they perceived as unjust and oppressive rule.
Further Research
To further understand the context of this excerpt, it is recommended to read the complete Declaration of Independence and explore scholarly works on the American Revolution. Researching the specific acts of British legislation mentioned (such as the Stamp Act and the Townshend Acts) provides a deeper understanding of the grievances leading up to the declaration. Examining primary sources, such as letters and diaries from the period, offers valuable insight into the perspectives and experiences of those who lived through this critical moment in history.