Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas

Carl L. Becker

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Making the Declaration of Independence Author Info: Pauline Maier - It has sometimes been said, as if it were a derogation from the merits of this paper, that it contains nothing new; that it only states grounds of proceeding and presses topics of argument, which had often been stated and pressed before. But it was not the object of the Declaration to produce any thing new. It was not to invent reasons for independence, but to state those which governed the Congress.

For great and sufficient causes, it was proposed to declare independence; and the proper business of the paper to be drawn was to set for th those causes, and justify the authors of the measure, in any event of fortune, to mthe country and to posterity. The cause of American independence, moreover, was now to be presented to the world in such manner; of it might so be, as to engage its sympathy, to command its respect, to attract its admiration; and in an assembly of most able and distinguished men, THOMAS JEFFERSON had the high honor of being the selected advocate of this cause.

To say that he performed his great work well, would be doing him an injustice. To say that he did excellently well, admirably well, would be inadequate and halting praise. Let us rather say, that he so discharged the duty assigned him, that all Americans may well rejoice that the work of drawing the title-deed of their liberties devolved upon him Let me first say that the author has done a great job of presenting the story of the drafting of the Declaration and the political milieu out of which the action arose and of following its fall and supposed resurrection by Abraham Lincoln.

However, as near as I can determine the following elements of Ms Maier's analysis were considered original: I'll take these one at a time: But, it is a slog. If you are looking for an interesting read on the social and political events surrounding the drafting of the Declaration and biographical sketches of those involved, this is not the book for you.

The Declaration of Independence: A Study in the History of Political Ideas

If you ever sat through a college level class on political philosophy, you will know exactly what to expect from this book. Apr 10, Steven Peterson rated it really liked it. This is a work that is looked at as a major analysis of the Declaration of Independence from early in the 20th century. First published in , Carl Becker's book has been recognized as a valuable look at this founding document. The analysis is somewhat dated, but still serves a useful purpose. The book covers the words of the Declaration, historical antecedents of the document, the story of the drafting of it, the literary qualities of Jefferson's contribution as amended by the committee desig This is a work that is looked at as a major analysis of the Declaration of Independence from early in the 20th century.

The book covers the words of the Declaration, historical antecedents of the document, the story of the drafting of it, the literary qualities of Jefferson's contribution as amended by the committee designated to create a declaration justifying the American Revolution , and an examination of the response to the Declaration in the late 18th and throughout the 19th century. For those interested in early important analyses of the Declaration, this is a useful read. Aug 05, Mike Horne rated it it was amazing.

This classic is still the must read on the Declaration.

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But this book does a great job of explaining the evolution of the argument of the Declaration. His analysis of the Declaration is OK.

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And his analysis o This classic is still the must read on the Declaration. And his analysis of the 19th century reaction is OK. But it is a fast read.

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Interesting and beautifully written, the book is essentially a long close reading of The Declaration, with a gloss of the background philosophies that shaped it. For better and worse, the book is very much of its time in terms of scholarship, but is still useful for those who want a quick dip in the waters. Jun 13, O. As the back cover says, "[This is] a book that every American should read.

Jun 03, Tom Schulte rated it liked it.

This famous document is examined as a window to the social philosophy of the time and as the beginning of U. Apr 07, Bap rated it liked it.

This book analyzes the Declaration of Independence line by line, word by word, for its antecedents, edits, and meaning. So I was a political science major, books like this found my way.

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