Treaty of Paris and the Declaration of Independence

 Treaty of Paris

In 1763 a document was signed to end the revolutionary war, which was between Britain and France. Britain was the triumphant ones in this all. France had lost North America. Britain did not do this alone, though. Spain was Britain's ally. You would think the British and the Americans would be happy with the win but there was a split between Britain and America because of the war. Americans were once scared of France, but because the French were defeated, America was no longer scared of them. They also did not need Britain anymore so this helped start the split. The British looked down upon Americans and thought they were lacking in culture and were impure. Americans did not like taking orders from Britain. William Pitt was appointed by King George II to be secretary of state, in charge of military affairs, and colonial policy. Americans called British soldiers “redcoats” because of what they wore. Americans thought of them as unholy heathens. Tension was growing between the British and the Americans. There was rivalry between the Americans themselves, but having a common foe brought them together. Nationalism was starting to develop for the 13 states ever since they fought beside each other in the war. Now the English colonies' economy was flourishing.

 Declaration of Independence

This document was written in the summer of 1776. It said that all men were created equal and should be able to have equal rights. The right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This meant a lot to women, because this was the start for woman to have rights. In Seneca Falls, 1848, The Declaration of Sentiments was created with the same rights of The Declaration of Independence. David Walker, an activist, questioned if slavery should be legal. He asked, “do you understand your own language?” because not all men were being treated equal. Thomas Jefferson, chief author of The Declaration of Independence, owned slaves, as did many fellow signers. Thomas Jefferson criticized slavery and King George for allowing the slave trade to flourish. So The Declaration did not have equality for all, but it was a start.

Sincerely,

Malissie H.