Declaration of Independence

The lecturer, Mike Corali, welcomes students to the online introduction to U.S. Government. The first lecture, 'To Illuminate the Essay', will cover the historical, cultural, economic, and philosophical backgrounds that led to the Declaration of Independence in 1776. The core seminar question for the course is: 'What were the influences of history, culture, economics, and philosophy on the drafters of the Declaration of Independence, and how can these influences be seen in the essay and contemporary American political society?' The lecture will also provide tips on essay writing, emphasizing the importance of a thesis statement, outline, and strong conclusion.

To understand the political landscape of 1776, it's crucial to examine the English monarchy, starting with the Magna Carta in 1215. King John's defeat at Runnymede led to the Magna Carta, which established the principle of limiting the king's autocratic power through a written grant. This document also marked the birth of Parliament and introduced concepts like due process, freedom from arbitrary rule, and the right to face accusers, all of which influenced the U.S. Constitution. The discussion then moves to the divine right of kings, contrasting it with legitimate authority derived from the people.

The Wars of the Roses (Lancaster vs. York) illustrate the fierce struggle for power within the monarchy. Examples like Henry IV's usurpation, Henry V's heroic but short reign, and the tumultuous rule of child-king Henry VI highlight the instability of inherited power. Edward IV's reliance on Parliament for legitimacy marks a significant shift, demonstrating Parliament's growing influence. Richard III's controversial rise to power and subsequent defeat by Henry VII (the first Tudor king) emphasize the dangers of unchecked power and the victor's role in writing history. Henry VII solidified the throne by centralizing fiscal operations, laying the groundwork for a stronger monarchy.

Henry VIII's reign is pivotal for understanding the separation of church and state in America. His desire for a male heir led him to separate from the Church of Rome, accumulating vast wealth and combining temporal and spiritual power. Mary I's attempt to restore Catholicism, marked by religious persecution, reinforced the American founders' desire to prevent religious influence in government. Elizabeth I, in contrast, skillfully used her marriageability for political alliances and navigated religious tensions, though her execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, demonstrated the ruthless nature of power. The Act of Settlement in 1689, which barred Catholics from the English throne, directly influenced the U.S. Constitution's lack of religious qualification for office.

The Stuarts, starting with James I, took the throne after Elizabeth I. Charles I's belief in divine right led to conflict with Parliament and ultimately his execution, solidifying Parliament's power. Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth period, marked by a Puritanical rule, eventually failed, leading to the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II. The Glorious Revolution and the 1689 Act of Settlement further cemented Parliament's supremacy, formally dividing the roles of head of state (monarch) and head of government (Parliament). This distinction directly influenced the American separation of powers. The Hanoverian kings (George I, II, III) brought German influence and presided over periods of colonial expansion and conflict, like the French and Indian Wars. These wars led to British taxes on the colonies, sparking the 'taxation without representation' cry and ultimately contributing to the Declaration of Independence.

The American colonial culture was shaped by several key elements: individualism, manifest destiny, republicanism, and the Protestant work ethic. Individualism, a hallmark of American society, emphasizes personal responsibility and self-improvement, evident even in modern social media. Manifest destiny, though often associated with the 19th century, was present in the colonial era, driving westward expansion. Republicanism, the belief that sovereignty rests with the people, grew stronger due to 200 years of self-governance by the colonists. The Protestant work ethic, valuing hard work and personal responsibility for success, further embedded these individualistic values. The diverse ethnic makeup of the colonies, with significant German, Dutch, Irish, and Scottish populations, further enriched this evolving culture.

The colonial economy was predominantly agrarian. The challenge of expanding arable land and transporting goods highlighted the lack of infrastructure and banking independent of Great Britain. The French and Indian Wars, overseen by King George II and Lord North, led to taxes like the Stamp Act of 1765 and the Townshend Acts, imposed to pay for colonial defense. These taxes, especially the Stamp Act, angered influential colonists (journalists, lawyers, merchants) who were then taxed without representation in Parliament. The Boston Tea Party, a response to a tea monopoly granted to the East India Company, led to the punitive Intolerable Acts (also known as Coercive Acts) of 1774. These acts, including the Boston Port Act, Administration of Justice Act (Murder Act), and Quartering Act, drastically curtailed colonial self-governance and individual rights, cementing the colonists' grievances and directly influencing the Bill of Rights, particularly the Third Amendment.

The philosophical currents of the Age of Enlightenment, or classical liberalism, profoundly influenced the American founders. Key philosophers include Plato (allegory of the cave, pluralism, democracy, tyranny), Aristotle (pure monarchy, aristocracy, polity vs. democracy), Thomas Hobbes (Leviathan, social contract based on fear, state of nature as 'war of every man against every man'), Montesquieu (Spirit of the Laws, separation of powers into legislative, executive, and judicial branches), Voltaire (natural equality, critique of despotic power), and Rousseau (social contract based on love, man born free but in chains). John Locke, particularly his 'Second Treatise of Civil Government,' is crucial for his ideas on property rights, the state of nature, and government's role in protecting these rights. These philosophical underpinnings profoundly shaped the Declaration of Independence and the subsequent U.S. Constitution.

The lecture concludes by reiterating the seminar question and the importance of analyzing the historical, cultural, economic, and philosophical influences on the Declaration of Independence. Students are encouraged to use the provided information to craft an essay, emphasizing careful editing due to the vast amount of information. The lecturer, Mike Corali, offers his availability for questions and additional information, stressing his commitment to student success. The next class will focus on the U.S. Constitution.