In this light Lincoln rejected the construction of the Constitution of Dred Scott v. Sanford (1857) as “erroneous,” which construed the Constitution to rest on the authority of the Declaration of Independence, but then absurdly read the Declaration as a pro-slavery document which excluded slaves from the definition of men. He described the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as "these fragile objects which bear so great a weight of meaning to our people." The story of the Declaration of Independence as a document can only be a part of the larger history, a history still unfolding, a "weight of meaning" constantly, challenged, strengthened, and redefined. Declaration of Independence, document approved by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, that announced the separation of 13 North American British colonies from Great Britain. On July 2 the Congress had resolved that ‘these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be Free and Independent States.’ According to our analysis of the argument of the Declaration of Independence, it is self-evidently true that people are equal in the sense that human beings are fundamentally the same in whatever makes them human. According to the Declaration of independence, why do people consent to be governed? But the interpretation of "all men" has hovered over the Declaration of Independence since its creation. Although most people have interpreted "all men" to mean humanity, others have argued that Jefferson and the other authors of the Declaration meant to exclude women and children. Lincoln reading, pp. 41, 82-100: What is Lincoln's view of the Declaration of Independence/Fourth of July? What does he think most Americans think of their Founding? Think nothing of me - take no thought for the political fate of any man whomsoever - but come back to the truths that are in the Declaration of Independence. You may do anything with me you choose, if you will but heed these sacred principles. You may not only defeat me for the Senate, but you may take me and put me to death. 16th President Abraham Lincoln knew it was a remarkable document and he placed the Declaration of Independence above the Constitution in his framing of the United States. Abraham Lincoln’s Speech on the Declaration of Independence at Lewistown, Illinois August 17, 1858 At two o’clock, Judge Kellogg introduced Mr. Lincoln, who was again greeted with vociferous applause. After the noise had subsided, he commenced and delivered the ablest, and, as I think, the most powerful argument ever heard in Old Fulton. LINCOLN ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE I cannot close this letter without giving your readers a passage from Mr. Lincoln's noble and impressive apostrophe to the Declaration of Independence. This was truly one of the finest efforts of public speaking I ever listened to. The USA Independence Day in 2025, celebrated on July 4th, marks the 249th anniversary of the nation's declaration of independence. It commemorates the Continental Congress's adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The Declaration of Independence Made America Great By: karl Rove – wsj.com – July 2, 2025 The nation’s 250th anniversary is a chance to relearn our founding principles. Lincoln made it the core of his political vision, referencing it often in speeches and letters, most notably in the Gettysburg Address. But it was five years earlier that Lincoln spoke some of the most powerful words ever uttered about our nation’s founding document. Lincoln’s political life is defined in large part by Lincoln’s recognition that of all institutions, the institution of chattel slavery – the status of a person as property – is most violently at odds with the principle of individual human equality set forth in the Declaration. So Abraham Lincoln began the most famous speech of his presidency—arguably the most iconic utterance of the entire Civil War—by implicitly pronouncing the Declaration of Independence America’s preeminent founding document. While debating Senator Stephen Douglas, Lincoln said he hated slavery and the prospect of its spread not only because of its monstrous injustice, but because “it deprives our republican example Lincoln is very much in the habit of following in the track of Lovejoy in this particular, by reading that part of the Declaration of Independence to prove that the negro was endowed by the Almighty with the inalienable right of equality with white men. This annotated version includes Lincoln's words concerning the Declaration of Independence. Now, my countrymen, if you have been taught doctrines conflict with the great landmarks of the Declaration of Independence; if you have listened to suggestions which would take away from its grandeur and mutilate the fair symmetry of its proportions; if you The courage of our founders still echoes through every act of bravery and hope we see today. Whether you’re honoring soldiers, speaking up for justice, or chasing your own American dream — you are continuing a legacy of strength. In this collection of 100+ inspirational 4th of July quotes, you’ll find words to lift your spirit, stir your heart, and remind you what independence truly means. We heartily commend to our readers Abraham Lincoln’s view of the Declaration of Independence, spoken Aug. 17, 1858 in Lewistown, Illinois, during his Senate con-test with Stephen Douglas. We endorse it in full.
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