Declaration Of Independence Gave America Life, Liberty, And Happiness

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, plans for a year-long celebration are underway, spearheaded by a White House task force. Events will include a 'National Garden of American Heroes,' a 'Great American State Fair,' and a televised 'Patriot Games' for high school athletes. This patriotic celebration contrasts sharply with narratives that have emerged in recent years, particularly the 1619 Project, which reframed American history around the arrival of African slaves rather than the Declaration of Independence. Former Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris praised the 1619 Project as a 'masterpiece' and a necessary reckoning of history, contributing to a wave of anti-founding sentiments in educational initiatives.

Dr. Matthew Spalding, a scholar at Hillsdale College and former executive director of the President’s Advisory 1776 Commission, has been pivotal in countering these narratives. His new book, 'The Making of the American Mind: The Story of Our Declaration of Independence,' emphasizes the importance of the Declaration as a foundational document that articulates principles of human liberty.

Spalding argues that America is a great country not because it is perfect, but because it aspires to uphold enduring principles of liberty. He cites Abraham Lincoln's description of the Declaration as an 'abstract truth, applicable to all men and all times,' serving as a bulwark against tyranny.

The book explores the historical context and significance of the Declaration, highlighting that American colonists viewed themselves as Englishmen entitled to rights articulated in historical documents like the Petition of Right and the Habeas Corpus Act. However, the Declaration asserts that these rights are inherent and not merely granted by the British crown.

Public sentiment shifted toward independence largely due to Thomas Paine's pamphlet 'Common Sense,' which sold over 100,000 copies in just three months in early 1776. This pamphlet, along with intelligence about British mercenaries being contracted to fight against the colonists, galvanized support for independence.

While Thomas Jefferson is often credited as the primary author of the Declaration, Spalding notes that it was a product of collective effort, with Jefferson himself stating that he did not aim to invent new ideas but rather to express sentiments prevalent at the time. The Declaration drew from a variety of influences, including classical thinkers and religious texts, reflecting a broader intellectual tradition.

Some contemporary conservative thinkers argue that John Locke's ideas were central to the founding principles. However, Spalding emphasizes that the founding generation's understanding of Locke was more nuanced and rooted in a Christian-informed theory of natural law. Most signers of the Declaration were aligned with Protestant beliefs, and the Second Continental Congress even called for days of prayer and fasting.

As the nation prepares for its 250th birthday, Spalding's work serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of the Declaration of Independence and the principles it embodies. The upcoming celebrations aim to reaffirm these values and counteract the narratives that seek to undermine the foundational story of America.