Declaration Of Independence Dbq Essay

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Declaration of Independence: The Struggle for Equality DBQ After nearly one-hundred and fifty years of living in the New World, the colonists were anxious to be separated from their mothering country, England. Thomas Jefferson and other colonists got together to write an official document called the Declaration of Independence in July of 1776 to send to King George III. This document stated how the colonists were being treated unjustly and how independence should be granted to the citizens. The Declaration of Independence promises natural rights for all men, however, some rights such as suffrage, are not realized for some disenfranchised groups. The Declaration of Independence can be characterized as a standard for the actions of oppressed …show more content…

In 1898, Moorfield Storey projected his opinions about the rights of foreigners while attempting to expand the United States territory into the Philippine Islands. Moorefield stated that it was wrong to kill the natives of the foreign land because the government would be depriving them of natural rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Abraham Lincoln added his opinion that only “Anglo-Saxon white men” were allowed these freedoms (Document F). Homosexuals have also been underprivileged when it comes to their rights. (Document I). A brochure for “Reminder Day” expressed that homosexuals were often not treated as equals and that the Federal, state and local governments have shown bias towards these individuals. Although some religions would perceive homosexuality as a sin, the individuals are still human and should be given the same opportunities as the rest of the population.
In the past, the Declaration of Independence promised natural rights for all men, but some rights were not realized for minority groups. Over time, parts of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were revoked and amended so that in today’s world, all “men”, including women and minority groups, all have the same rights. With all citizens having the same rights and the right to vote, it allows our government to hear all of our voices, and conduct and guide our nation is a way that best represents the