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Reading of the Declaration of Independence: In Defense of Equality

Danny Simmons

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Published in Our Declaration: A Reading Of The Declaration Of Independence In Defense Of Equality

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The Declaration of Independence is one of the most important documents in American history. It is a bold statement of the principles of liberty and equality, and it has served as a beacon of hope for people all over the world. But what does the Declaration of Independence really say about equality? And how have its principles shaped American history?

Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality

by Danielle S. Allen

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7990 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages

In his new book, Reading of the Declaration of Independence: In Defense of Equality, historian David Waldstreicher offers a fresh perspective on this iconic document. Waldstreicher argues that the Declaration was not simply a document of revolution but also a powerful statement in defense of equality. He draws on a wide range of sources, including historical documents, legal scholarship, and political theory, to show how the Declaration's principles of equality have shaped American history and continue to resonate today.

Waldstreicher begins by examining the Declaration's use of the word "equality." He shows that the Declaration's signers used the word in a variety of ways, but that they all shared a common understanding of equality as a fundamental human right. This understanding of equality, Waldstreicher argues, was rooted in the Enlightenment's emphasis on natural rights and the social contract.

Waldstreicher then traces the development of the Declaration's principles of equality in American history. He shows how the Declaration's principles were used to justify the abolition of slavery, the expansion of voting rights, and the creation of the welfare state. He also shows how the Declaration's principles have been challenged by those who have sought to deny equality to others.

Waldstreicher concludes by arguing that the Declaration of Independence is still a vital document in the 21st century. He believes that the Declaration's principles of equality can help us to overcome the challenges of our time, such as poverty, racism, and sexism. He also believes that the Declaration can inspire us to create a more just and equitable world.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence: In Defense of Equality is a timely and important book. It offers a fresh perspective on one of the most important documents in American history. Waldstreicher's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Declaration of Independence and its continuing relevance to American society.

Reviews

"Waldstreicher has written a brilliant and provocative book that will challenge our understanding of the Declaration of Independence. He shows that the Declaration was not simply a document of revolution but also a powerful statement in defense of equality. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Declaration of Independence and its continuing relevance to American society."

- Gordon Wood, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Radicalism of the American Revolution

"Waldstreicher's book is a timely and important contribution to the scholarship on the Declaration of Independence. He offers a fresh perspective on this iconic document and shows how its principles of equality have shaped American history and continue to resonate today. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the Declaration of Independence and its continuing relevance to American society."

- Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Hemingses of Monticello

About the Author

David Waldstreicher is a professor of history at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. He is the author of several books, including Slavery's Constitution: From Revolution to Ratification and Runaway America: Benjamin Franklin, Slavery, and the American Revolution.

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Reading of the Declaration of Independence: In Defense of Equality is available now from all major booksellers. Free Download your copy today and learn more about the Declaration's principles of equality and their continuing relevance to American society.

Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of Equality

by Danielle S. Allen

4.6 out of 5