Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness

During the 1770s Thomas Jefferson wrote what has become a significant historical document today: The Declaration of Independence. The occasion is July 4,1776, when the document was first printed in newspapers and brought out to public. Even though Jefferson primarily wrote it, the actual speakers are the colonists of the thirteen colonies, who were striving to live freely from the English rule. He spoke on behalf of the colonists because the English had set laws that were not wholesome for all. He presents all the rights that people were permitted to have, which include “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness” (Declaration of Independence). These three rights were taken away by the colonists’ motherland: England. The English taxed the colonists, took away their right to trade with all parts of the world, and deprived them from the benefits of trial by jury. The audience of this historical document is King George III and the colonists. Jefferson wrote the document to King George because they have the right to live independently, without injuries and abuses. He mentions, “He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns and destroyed the lives of our people” (The Declaration of Independence). The plural pronouns in this quote show that he is speaking on behalf of the colonists. The audience was the colonists as well because Jefferson informed them that they have the right to overthrow a government that did not treat them right. He exhorted them to revolt if they have to, to live freely and without vicious treatments.Therefore, the Revolutionary War was a worthwhile attempt of the colonists, who were suffering with brutal ruling tactics that were used upon them by the British.