1776

  

1776

November 4, 2010

Emily Shaw

Professor Stokes

English 2010

1776

            In class we watched the musical 1776 in order to decide if The Declaration of Independence was a proposal. It was definitely a proposal instigated mainly by John Adams. The reason the final Declaration of Independence is a proposal is because it clearly defines the problems at hand and offers a plan for solving these problems.

            According to the musical, 1776, John Adams demonstrates there is a problem by speaking up in Congress, often abruptly and headstrong. He describes the problems, such as crippling taxes, repression, abolished rights, and the invasion of British militia. He uses these examples to support his claim that the problems are significant and something must be done about them. He proposes to fix all of these problems by declaring independence from Great Britain. Adams and others who supported his proposal believed that in order to be free to govern as they choose and stop the injustices, they must unite and form their own country.  

The advantages and disadvantages of this proposal are clearly discussed. One major advantage is that a new nation would be created. In the proposal, The Declaration of Independence, it would be a nation in which, “all men are created equal (Congress, 1776).” Another advantage is that these people would have more of a voice in government with liberties that allowed them to pursue a life of happiness. Major advantages were that Great Britain would no longer be allowed to govern the colonies. British injustices such as taxes and forceful military actions would not be tolerated any longer.

Despite the advantages, there were also many disadvantages. Although the colonists had come to the states in search for a better life, many of them were still faithful to their home land. In fact, some members of Congress believed Adams talk of independence was committing treason against Great Britain and they were not happy about it. I believe the biggest obstacle in Congress, and a major disadvantage of the proposal for independence, were the risks involved. Great Britain was a large country with a strong military in comparison to the colonies troops. It would take an enormous commitment and willingness from the colonists to risk standing against British forces if they were to retaliate.

Another major problem encountered by Adams and his supporters was the issue of slavery. The South would not support the Declaration of Independence because of the threat it had to their slave trade. Adams and other members were frustrated and did not want to amend the Declaration to allow slavery because it went against everything the proposal was about, “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (Congress, 1776)”. After much debate on this issue, particularly with South Carolina, it was clear that the South would not support independence without protecting slavery. Therefore, in order to declare independence from Great Britain, slavery was not abolished.  

The Declaration of Independence, while not able to address equality for all people, was a very effective proposal. And, obviously, one that has shaped the success of our country today. It defined and provided evidence of the major problems with Great Britain at the time. It presented a solution, independence, in order to address the problems. It touched on the costs and benefits involved and highlighted how the future would be affected if the proposal were put into action. Most notably, it thoroughly and effectively used pathos, ethos, and logos to draw in the support of Congress. In sum, The Declaration of Independence is a fine example of a well-written proposal.   

      

Works Cited

Congress, (1776, July 4). Declaration of Independence. Retrieved November 4, 2010, from www.constitution.org: http://www.constitution.org/usdeclar.pdf