Running head: THE AGE OF REASON/REVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 1
[Thomas Jefferson; The Declaration of Independence ]
Joseph K. Kankolongo
Liberty University
THE AMERICAN RENAISSANCE/ROMANTIC PERIOD ASSIGNMENT 2
[Thomas Jefferson; The Declaration of Independence ]
The age of reasoning and the revolutionary period was a movement in the 18th century
that was marked by rationality rather than tradition, scientific inquiry instead of unquestioning
religious doctrine, and representative government in place of the monarchy(Eldor, 2018). Many
of our founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, Patrick
Henry, James Madison was focused on the idea of liberty, equality, and justice( (Eldor, 2018).
One of the most famous documents of this era is the declaration of independence written by
Thomas Jefferson which also emphasized human rights. Many nations after the declaration of
independence were inspired and created countless movements for independence, self-
determination, and revolution. The declaration of independence written by Thomas Jefferson was
to justify the American Revolution and establish a system of government based on God-given
natural rights to eliminate injustice.
Theme: Injustice
The declaration of independence explored injustice and the idea of establishing a
government system to ensure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (Fisher, Kerr, &
Cunningham, 2019). The document highlighted injustice from unfair taxes, restricted currency
territories taken away and many grievances toward the king. With the rise of the enlightenment,
people began to steer away from tradition, turning away from corruption and building their own
government. During this age of reasoning, the declaration of independence explained the
justification of a war due to injustice, and the ways that other measures were taken to prevent. To
create a solution for the inequality, Thomas outlines the alienated rights in the document to
highlight that all men are created equal, and they have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of
THE AMERICAN RENAISSANCE/ROMANTIC PERIOD ASSIGNMENT 3
happiness; and this limits the king’s authority and gives no one but God the right to interfere with
people’s liberty( Fisher, Kerr, & Cunningham, 2019).
Characteristics of the Time Period
The declaration of independence explored injustice and the idea of establishing a
government system to ensure life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (Fisher, Kerr, &
Cunningham, 2019). The document highlighted injustice from unfair taxes, restricted currency
territories were taken away and many grievances toward the king. With the rise of the
enlightenment, people began to steer away from tradition, turning away from corruption and
building their government. During this age of reasoning, the declaration of independence
explained the justification of war due to injustice, and the ways that other measures were taken to
prevent it. To create a solution for the inequality, Thomas outlines the alienated rights in the
document to highlight that all men are created equal, and they have the right to life, liberty, and
the pursuit of happiness; and this limits the king’s authority and gives no one but God the right to
interfere with people’s liberty( Fisher, Kerr, & Cunningham, 2019).
Narrative Devices
The declaration of independence uses many narrative devices to paint a picture of a better
world where all men are equal. Thomas Jefferson uses imagery and metaphors to highlight
injustice and justify the reason why independence is needed. “He has plundered our seas,
ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people”( Fisher, Kerr, &
Cunningham, 2019). To emphasize the treatments of the British people, he states “They too have
been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity(Horan & Taylor, 2018 ). Through
Parallelism and repetition, the document highlighted that they tried to solve all conflicts in a
peaceful manner. Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury.” (Fisher,
THE AMERICAN RENAISSANCE/ROMANTIC PERIOD ASSIGNMENT 4
Kerr, & Cunningham, 2019 ). The formal language and tone truly highlight the rational era and
what the individuals were striving to achieve during that time.
Conclusion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the age of reasoning and the revolutionary period was a time for change
and transformation. People were ready to restructure the government systems and to gain their
rights so they can pursue their happiness. The Declaration of Independence was later able to
accomplish its goal of formally separating the thirteen colonies from Great Britain. It marked a
time for independence and the beginning of a new type of freedom. Although equality was not
immediate, many people's minds and consciousness were awakened, and their way of thinking
had changed as they continued to fight for their rights.
THE AMERICAN RENAISSANCE/ROMANTIC PERIOD ASSIGNMENT 5
References
Eldor, L. (2018). Thomas Jefferson: The Impact of the declaration of independence. Journal of
Public Administration Research & Theory, 28(1), 86-103.
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Fisher, D. M., Kerr, A. J., & Cunningham, S. (2019). Examining the declaration of
independence. International Journal of Stress Management, 26(1), 78–88.
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58096-001&site=eds-live&scope=site&custid=s8479690
Horan, K. A., & Taylor, M. B. (2018). The life and selected writings of Thomas Jefferson. New
York :Modern Library,. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 8, 8–16.
doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2018.02.003
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