The+Declaration+of+Independence+in+World+Context

JF: The Declaration of Independence is one of the defining documents of the people of the United States of America. In it can be found our ideals, our guidelines for living, and at the very bottom can be found our role models, in the form of individual signatures. Every middle school student in the nation is familiar with the opening lines, and every adult can identify with the message it portrays. If The Declaration, then, can be put into international terms, anything can be.

After it's conception, news of The Declaration quickly spread to Europe, where it was translated into several languages and published in still more newspapers. Jeremy Bentham himself, then a young philosopher, wrote a scathing review of the document. Despite critical review, however, The Declaration became a staple of international politics. Many countries followed the Unites States' model, or even used direct quotes. It’s not a bad thing, though. The American influence has had a positive impact on the global community. Free, sovereign, and independent states appearing all over the map is an indication of successful governmental influence. The Declaration of Independence not only bred myriad nations into existence, but also a vast network of interdependence, states that want the same things for their people, and something the international community can share. **make entries at bottom of not top of page** **summary -- not analysis** Ann Marie Brasacchio -- The United States’ Declaration of Independence has been an internationally influential document since the time of its writing. Since 1776, it has inspired national independence movements all over the globe. However, different parts of the Declaration have had varied importance over time and in different areas of the world. While today, we tend to think of the Declaration as a proponent of individual human rights, its most radical aspect when it was drafted and during the years immediately following was the fact that it proposed that an individual state had a right to rebel against an oppressive government and declare itself sovereign. It assured the great European powers that the United States of America could govern itself as a sovereign state without being part of an empire. The idea that //states// could rebel against oppression paved the way for national movements and rebellions that led to the formation of new nations. This new thought inspired independence movements such as the European Independence Movements of 1848, Haitian independence, and the formation of new nation-states throughout the twentieth century. The idea that all people are free and have equal rights did not catch on right away. Even in the early 19th century, Europeans were wary of this tenet because the main movement it helped inspire was the French Revolution, which was much more horrific than the American Revolution. The Declaration inspired the Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen in France in 1789, which included many beliefs that are so obvious today, but which were highly radical in monarchial France: freedom of religion and opinion, freedom of speech, right to property, and that laws must be beneficial to society. Utilitarian philosopher Jeremy Bentham went as far as to call these tenets “nonsense.” This article shows that the United States’ Declaration of Independence is a document that is not only important to the history and future of our own country, but that changed the course of human history throughout the world by asserting primarily the rights of states to resist oppressive government as well as the idea that all humans have rights to how they are treated by their government and society.

** good for first entry -- look at strengthening analysis as we move forward **
EMB – David Armitage paints a picture for readers that the Declaration of Independence was vastly influential in and after its time. It was the beginning of a series of other drafts for independence in other states internationally. It performed both the role of establishing sovereignty in the United States and the role of creating a guideline for future nations seeking independence for themselves. Though not always used for the latter, it was shown throughout the essay in several examples and quotations that as the Declaration made its way around the globe, so it made its way into other declarations, however quoted. This only makes sense if it managed to convey a broad enough idea that encompassed the ideals of many oppressed peoples. The idea it presented was human rights; more specifically, human rights to equality and liberty. The Continental Congress lit the fuse that set aflame the fire of revolution, though this took longer in varying nations. Even so, it happened and the ideals and timing of the United States’ Declaration of Independence were so opportune that Armitage was able to quote numerous other documents from other countries trying to gain the same freedom the Revolution in America did. Such was the impact of the Declaration that bits of it can still be found in documents published in the twentieth century. The Declaration of Independence is not merely words carefully molded together to tell Britain that its New World colonies were creating their own independent nation; it’s a set of ideas held so high in the minds of revolutionaries that it managed to resonate around the globe until this very day. It’s a set of “self-evident truths” that speak of “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”.

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CCR- To internationalize something, is to put it into an international scope. The author of “The Declaration of Independence in World Context,” David Armitage succeeds completely in his internationalization of the Declaration of Independence. He brilliantly combines the meaning of the Declaration with the affect that it had on the global level, as well as the worldwide influences that lead to the ideas and inspirations present within the Declaration. The article the author begins with a brief summary of the Declaration. By starting out with a succinct summary of the Declaration, he gives the reader a reference point when he makes his arguments later in the article. Also a strong introduction assists his image as a credible writer. He then goes on to quote members of the Continental Congress and describe the feelings that the Congress had towards different international relations, and how it relates to his topic. He subsequently begins to describe the immediate effect that the Declaration had on Europe, and sites the reactions of the French and British which gives readers a well known example so that they can easily understand his point. He also goes on to give examples of how the declaration impacted international society for years after its creation. Armitage covers the international aspect of the declaration and at the same time acknowledges the strength of the Declaration in the past, present, and most likely future. **summary with some dangerous adjectives and a swweping generalization thrown in-- not analysis** ENA – In “The Declaration of Independence in World Context,” David Armitage communicates several incisive points that merit reflection. To begin with, the Declaration’s affirmation that “all men are created equal” and are entitled to the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is an iconic message that famously characterizes the American Revolution. However, Mr. Armitage conveys that the heart of the Declaration, and thus of the Revolution, was within the first and final paragraphs – the assertion that the colonies were disengaging themselves from the control of Britain and had become free, independent states. The idea of universal equality and inherent rights was not as influential and did not gain as much acceptance until the time following the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948). One could understand why many, such as Arthur Balfour, rejected the notion in the era of slavery and colonialism. David Armitage argues against the claim that the Declaration of Independence promoted a philosophy of human rights. Instead, he finds that it inspired people to pursue the right to form a state rather than the rights of individuals or groups. A nationalist movement was generated. In accordance with this situation, ironically, a state could be created, but people within it could be suppressed because liberation was not about individuals. Although currently less common, non-state groups suffer greatly because they have not established a nation. An example of this is the injustice committed against indigenous people, whose settlements and resources are being destroyed for industrial expansion. Their universal rights are being violated, but relatively little objection has been made because “established people” are profiting. It is clear that Mr. Armitage’s remarks about the Declaration’s global impact on individual rights versus collective rights ring true. **summary -- not analysis -- red is strong indicators of summary -- green is unwarranted sweeping generalization.**

SW - Although the Declaration of Independence was written for America, David Armitage believes that it has influenced other countries to take after the American Declaration. America has been looked up to in the present and in the past in many instances. America is a model nation. It started with the Declaration of Independence. Many countries used it as an example when declaring their independence. The ideals of the declaration such as states rights have been adopted in many countries. But what we consider today as most important are individual rights; life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But in the 18th century states rights were most important because it gave nations the idea that they had the right to rebel and form an independent nation. America’s independence in 1776 was an instigator to other countries’ independence thereafter. Countries such as the Netherlands, Venezuela, Czechoslovakia, and Vietnam have taken ideas and even direct quotes from the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was such an important document not only to declare independence from Britain as generally thought, but also to gain France as an ally and to become ranked as a nation in world context. In addition to that it encouraged other nation’s independence. The declaration is a very important document in the history of the world. The author exposed a different viewpoint on the Declaration of Independence and that it is important for more than just America. ** summary -- not analysis -- boorderline short**

ADB – The Declaration of Independence is, and has been, the cornerstone of America’s identity. It has reminded America of its uniqueness, and the words and beliefs exemplified in the Declaration have even rubbed off on other revolutions for independence. In the article, Armitage discusses this. In one facet of his discussion, he shows the evolution of the “Declaration’s usage”; that is, how certain parts of the Declaration were significant in different time periods during and after 1776. Prior to 1776, the colonists had been labeled “rebels” by King George III, declaring them beyond his protection. The revolutionaries wanted to legitimize themselves into obvious opponents to England, and realized that transnational acknowledgment was necessary; they concordantly needed foreign allies to support their secession. The only way to reassure foreigners (especially the French) that the Americans would be reliable trade partners would be to create a document outlining their complaints against their oppressors. Basically, when the Declaration was created on July 4th, 1776, it was to explain to the world that the American colonies were coming into the international scene, and that they, as an independent group of states, were equal to other states. Looking at it from a different perspective, in the early days of the Declaration’s birth, Americans stressed the first and last paragraphs in the Declaration, which entailed the rights of the colonies’ to become independent from Britain, as opposed to the assumed idea that the Founding generation focused on the “rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”. This distinction is important, because it shows that the Declaration’s importance depended on its temporal context. In 1776, the areas of the Declaration that needed to be stressed were those which would offer legitimacy to the colonial revolution, and which could convince foreigners to acknowledge the country’s existence, and ergo establish good relations between the two. However, the opening and closing paragraphs of the Declaration did not remain the document’s necessary stress indefinitely. After the Declaration’s initial formation, it began to be transported, as well as translated, across Europe. Specifically, it reached France in November of 1776. By that time, however, it was the second document to have been sent (the first had never arrived), and America’s independence was common knowledge in Europe. However, the French eventually did make a treaty with the USA, the 1778 Franco-American Treaty. This was, for America, a vital alliance, for ultimately it tipped the scales for the Americans against the British. The 1783 Peace of Paris was Britain’s official recognition of the United States’ existence, but this alone did not bring about a complete change in the Declaration’s meaning for both Americans and nations abroad. It was not until after the War of 1812 that the world realized that the Declaration was not, as they had thought, simply a document opposing the British, supporting the French, and provoking rebellion. It was then that the Declaration’s second paragraph, that which outlines our “rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”, became the prominent understanding of the Declaration. Again the context of America’s history comes into play; with the world firmly understood that the Americans were not just rabble-rousing insurrectionists, but serious and focused revolutionaries, the second paragraph of the Declaration rose to prominence as the reason for American independence, an idea that has stuck throughout the rest of the country’s history.

** beginning with one sweeping generalization is bad -- two in a row is just scarry -- parts of middle sound like you are moving toward analysis but end is all summary **
CJD- The American Revolution, specifically the Declaration of Independence, was a watershed moment in global history according to David Armitage. To the people of the United States, it meant self-governance, and this ideal was synonymous with freedom to people throughout the world. Within the text of the document, there are two main ideas. The first, and much more significant, is the forceful assertion of a group of states to become recognized on an international level as their own sovereign nation. This is what gave the Declaration of Independence such a profound impact on the rest of the world. Armitage argues that the second notion, regarding the rights of man, did not have as much of an effect, and was seen as secondary even in America to the secession from England.

For nearly two hundred years after its signing, the declaration inspired revolutions on a worldwide scale. The French were one of the first to overthrow their oppressive leaders, but the known brutality of that uprising left a taint on the glorious precedent set by the United States. Nevertheless, nations such as Haiti arose against their previous rulers to join the ranks of other free states.

The rights of a group of people to rebel against those above them are what were so definitive in the Declaration of Independence. Unalienable rights of individuals did not have a considerable effect until much later in history, and these effects were largely uninspired by the American Revolution.

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CMD-- It has been said that the first shot fired in the American war for Independence from Britain could be heard around the, if there is a written version of this shot, it would be the Declaration of Independence, the document read around the world. This daring, and almost contemptuous document detailing that the colonies were independent from Britain once and for all, telling the British empire that they lost the war and that these United States were going to be extremely different from the state of Britain. Not only did this document effect the colonies then, to this day it is a basis for the governments of many small countries. Many of the ideas discussed in the document were not implemented at the time. The reasoning behind this was to make it so that America was eventually going to be a perfect country, however some of the ideas in the Declaration were just too impractical, such as universal suffrage which would not be achieved until almost 150 years after the signing of the constitution, or too controversial, such as all men being created equal and the freedom of the slaves. However, even now more than 200 years after its signing the Declaration is still inspiring revolutions around the world, on almost every continent there has been a revolution inspired by the declaration. Finally, the declaration has inspired many peoples throughout history to spring up against their oppressors and fight for their inalienable rights, their freedom, and the ability to rule themselves. **summary -- not analysis** AJN- The Declaration of Independence, as many view it today, was a monumentally important document seen around the world. However, it did not catch on as fast as many may think. The reason this happened is because back then people could not see the effects this new governing body would have on everyone as we do today with 20-20 clearness. One such instance where this first made things worse before it made things better was in the French revolution, much more gruesome than the American counterpart, where many more casualties were seen.

The most influential document in history encompassed the ideal of human rights. However it also included one significant aspect, the thought of each individual state having the right go rise up and fight against an oppressive government. This document was created with the sounds of shots freshly ingrained in the heads of Americans from the Revolution and the reason this was so influential and significant is because America was the first to fight back and break away from its mother country.

This document would not only change the course of history for the lives of Americans but for those lives of people throughout the world just barely surviving under an oppressive governing body. Without the right to have a say in government or vote for who does, the unalienable rights deserved by human kind are not being properly fulfilled and we as people all should be treated equally. Thus, this document strives to ensure this very thing for everyone.

**week 2xx** **J.R.C.**
 * As a familiar document to many, the** declaration **serves as a national and worldly example of a revolutionary idea of independence from oppression, set in stone by a written document or testament. Though prominent mainly in American history, such a mind-blowing event as the signing of the declaration also stands strong in a worldview of history at this time as well. This holds true, because no colonies under British control had ever tried to testify against their ruling government, until now. David Armitage exemplifies the idea that America wasn’t necessarily declaring independence, but rather interdependence with the intention of sparking a full-scale war amongst Britain and the states. Colonies of America were not necessarily united as an alliance before the signing of the declaration, so the states were killing two birds with one stone; in declaring war against Britain, a mutual dependence was formed amongst the states. This act did not, by any means, go unnoticed. In respect to Britain and other nations, reactions sparked in both positive and negative manners. King George III labeled the American colonies as rebels and outlaws to the empire, thus removing them from British protection. Though meant to be devastating for the states, King George’s reaction inspired colonists to aim for worldwide recognition and support for their cause. Ultimately in doing so, a goal was set for the states to rise to the same level of power as those found in Europe. In a positive perspective, the Declaration of Independence sparked many more revolutions based off of what American colonies had recently portrayed, worldwide. Through many hardships and through much disbelief, the signing of the Declaration of Independence marked an amazing event in history, and to this very day, still stands as the inspiration for many worldly examples of independence.**

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three problems -- document not properly introduced -- phrase in pink -- as written -- contradicts rest of sentence the rest is summarized not analyzed ===== JT -- David Armitage dares his audience to look at the Declaration of Independence as more than our own glorious beacon. While this document holds enormous prestige today, its ripple around the world of the 1700’s resulted in both critical and praising reactions. This document affected the world in so many different ways that it would be shallow to only hold it in today’s supreme perspective. Americans today celebrate and exercise the equality that the Declaration promotes, such as parades for homosexual rights. Critics of the 1700’s found equality an unnecessary addition as it had already applied within sovereign states, but continued to not include foreigners, such as Africans, if they tried to mesh in equally with Europeans. Before this point in history, countries did not include multiple races, and it was assumed that people of that state were superior to others or any intruders. This has even been seen as an imperative for conquering new land during the empire building age, as conquerors already viewed those they were meeting as inferior. This mindset led critics of the Declaration of Independence to question why the writers included the phrase of “all men are created equal.” In hindsight, as Abraham Lincoln decided, it appears that it was included for future purposes. The founding fathers can be commended for this wise prophecy, that someday equality would become worldwide. The Declaration of Independence offered more than a chance for the colonies to rule themselves. It started a worldwide chain of revolutionary movements. When the colonies broke free from Britain, they were implementing a novel idea that “children” did not need their “mother countries” and that empire building would no longer be effective as multiple new countries began separating from their rulers. Continuing into the twentieth century, the Declaration inspired the Vietnamese and the Czechoslovak to declare independence. While the document itself did not always have a direct influence on resulting revolutions, the idea of breaking away from a sovereign state to create your own was directly caused by the Declaration of Independence.

can you prove the "dares" part???? rest is on the right track but needs to be more fully developed
VB – The Declaration of Independence allowed the American colonies to lead the world in demonstrating that states have the right to revolt and consider themselves as independent entities. They viewed the Declaration as their entitlement to mistreat and exploit those in disagreement in the name of states rights. The actions of the Sons of Liberty exemplify the extent to which the colonists were willing to go against British oppression. The colonists were able to combine violent and diplomatic tactics to validate their claim. The Declaration of Independence was a message to the British and the rest of Europe that the colonies were ready to assert their rights by fostering a new nation and welcomed any support. Dumping the tea into Boston Harbor and the patriot’s persistent acts of smuggling demonstrate the actions in support of their motives. These actions occurred before the creation of the Declaration of Independence, but they symbolized what the document does. In contrast, David Armitage avoids discussing the more violent aspects associated with the pronouncements of the Declarations in support of the diplomatic efforts. While the document’s political effects were widespread, Armitage should not place all emphasis on the Declaration. Armitage writes shallowly and prolifically about the value of sending the Declaration across Europe, while ignoring the underlying reason. It was evident that the colonists were scouting for support for their impending war. It was essential for the colonists to validate their claim made on paper. Their call to arms constituted this justification. The objectives of the Declaration of Independence were successful in organizing the states in a common cause. summarized not analyzed