Declaration Of Independence Dbq Essay

The American Revolution, a war fought between the American Colonies and England was a war of independence and was stemmed from acts of rebellion, eventually leading to violence. While American victory was the birth of our country and freedom, this revolution was hardly revolutionary at all. For many white men, it was a new beginning with many open doors ahead. But those doors would remain shut for women and their rights, Native Americans and African Americans in this new independent country.
From the very beginning of America’s independence, men considered themselves to be more important and privileged. The Declaration of Independence says itself, “all men are created equal”, and “governments are instituted among men” yet doesn’t mention women

There homes were burned, family killed, and land taken from right under them. All of this, even before the war. But after the leaders of the colonies got what they wanted, they were quick to make laws regarding the Native Americans. They issued peace saying, “their land and property shall never be taken from them without their consent.”and claimed to be “preserving peace and friendship with them.”(Doc P). However, they were never friends. The Colonist had done all of these things to get what they wanted. They took everything without consent from the Natives. And once they had gained more territory, they then decided to do something about the injustice. How revolutionary is hypocrisy? How revolutionary is killing innocent people for a little more money and a little more

The American’s loved it and couldn’t get enough of it. This contributed to the several years that African Americans spent in enslavement. While African Americans were already slaves before the Revolutionary War, it took around eighty years after the war before slavery was completely abolished. Slave owners had power and superiority. And even once African Americans became free, they were definitely not considered equal. In 1819, a speech was given by the valedictorian of a New York free school. This valedictorian was African American. In his speech he talks about his future. He states, “Where are my prospects?...Shall I be a mechanic? No one will employ me; white boys won't work with me...no one will have me in his office...Can you be surprised at my discouragement?” (Doc L) Even a young man with incredible academic skills and potential was treated as a burden rather than a blessing. But, because he was an African American, he wasn’t considered special or great. How can this represent something revolutionary? A young man denied his rights and opportunities due to his skin color? Most African Americans had to deal with this kind of treatment from the average white citizen, who put themselves higher than the