Revolutionary War against Great Britain

Paper Summary:

The paper looks at Thomas Jefferson's draft of the Declaration of Independence that outlined the reasons why the Colonies should establish their own rule outside the influence of the crown of Great Britain. The paper examines the changes made to the final Declaration of Independence and discusses Daniel Leonard's beliefs in sustaining America's relationship to Great Britain. The paper then looks at Adams' response to Leonard's arguments.

Outline:
Introduction
Jefferson's Draft
The Declaration
Daniel Leonard's Warning
Adams' Novanglus

From the Paper:

"The Declaration of Independence came about during a time of great tumult in America. Britain was seemingly encroaching upon the rights of the inhabitants of the new world, visiting abuses upon their former subjects, and the people were growing in unrest. Thomas Jefferson drafted the Declaration of Independence in response to this, outlining the reasons why the Colonies should establish their own rule outside the influence of the crown of Great Britain. This document would be further revised before its publication with such individuals as Adams, with a few noted changed coming through. To reinforce the feeling of patriotism and separatism, Adams wrote a document in response to a loyalist American, Daniel Leonard. Leonard contended that British rule was ultimately beneficial and that Americans should be seeking representation in Parliament as opposed to a sovereign government. His argument was apparently not dominant, as will be exhibited."

Sample of Sources Used:

• 1776, Jefferson's Rough Draft of the Declaration of Independence Retrieved on 24 February 2008, from: http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/D/1776-1800/independence/doitj.htm
• 1776 July 4, Declaration of Independence Retrieved on 24 February 2008, from: http://www.constitution.org/usdeclar.htm
• 1775 January 9, Daniel Leonard's letter warning against resistance to British authorityRetrieved on 24 February 2008, from: http://odur.let.rug.nl/~usa/D/1751-1775/libertydebate/leon.htm
• 1775 February 6, John Adams, NovanglusRetrieved on 24 February 2008, from: http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/P/ja2/writings/novan1.htm

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