On this day in 1776, the Original 13 Colonies sent their message to King George III – we want out of the kingdom and independence.
The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history, and it ties right to the British monarch. He was who the document was aimed at; however, there’s no proof that the King ever read the document or was even ever presented with it.
The colonists were tired of the man they deemed a tyrant controlling their lives (to this day, King George III is not looked upon fondly by Americans). They wanted representation in the UK and a say in what they were being taxed on, but it wasn’t allowed. For example, they weren’t happy about the Stamp Act or the Townshend Acts as they felt they were unconstitutional.
The Declaration begins: “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.”
It listed 27 grievances against King George III that gave them the right to rebel. It stated: “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.”
The issues with the monarch included accusing George III of obstructing “the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers,” cutting off trade with other parts of the world, imposing taxes without consent, refusing to give Royal Assent to laws and forbidding governors from passing laws to help the people.
Additionally, the Declaration stated that the King “is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.”
The famous document then outright called George III a tyrant by saying: “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 the ruler of a free people.”
Finally, it declared the 13 Colonies independent from the British Crown.
Many of America’s Founding Fathers signed the Declaration of Independence, including Samuel Adams, future President Thomas Jefferson, future President John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin. Of course, the largest signature was by John Hancock, who purposely signed his name large and clear so the King wouldn’t have to put on his glasses to read it.
Thus, maybe a foreshadowing of the future American spirit, the American forefathers decided to declare their independence and go their own way – even if that came at the price of war. Of course, the 13 Original Colonies won the war, creating the United States of America.
While initially foes, the US and UK are now strong allies with what is deemed the “special relationship.”
Happy Independence Day to my fellow Americans!
