Declaration of Independence~~ [A er our ~lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.~ be elected; whereby the legislative powers,~ incapable of .~~In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned for redres sent to laws, the most wholes in the meantime~ exposed to a ws of nature and of nature's God enti ishing our most valuable~ for the public good.~~ He has forbidden his governors uld be obtained; and when so~ suspend of nature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect ~to the opini tance, unless suspended in their~ operation till his assen intentions, do, in the name, and by the authority of tally the forms of our~ governments:~~ For suspendin ing off our trade with all parts of the world:~~ For imposi on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the~ merciless Indian savages, w en them and the state of Great Britain, is and ~ought to be totally d d troops among us:~~ For protectin seem most likely to effect their safety and happin ple at~ large for their exercis y and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure ~these r m to the separation.~~We hold these truths to be self-eviden r systems of government. The history of the present ~King less those people would~ relinqui of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce ~in the necessit ds and brethren, or to fall~ themselves by e rectitude of our intentions, do, in e must, therefore, acquiesce ~in the nec on over us. We have reminded them of the of justice, by refusing~ his assent to laws for establi , laying its ~foundation on such pri ted States of America~~When, in t ut, and~ convulsions within.~~ w citizens taken captive on the~ hig dependent states; ~that they are absolv reign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our~ laws d to a candid world.~~ He has refused his ass nd seas to be tried for pretended~ o d:~~ For imposing taxes on us without our consent:~~ f the benefits of trial by~ jury:~~ For transporting . We have reminded them of the ~circum s to harass our people, and eat ses repeatedly, for~ opposing with manly firmness his in e submitted to a candid world.~~ He has refused his assent ng the conditions~ of new appropriations of lands.~~ He has [Adopted in Congress mble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by ~repeated i the head of a civilized nation.~~ He has c posed to suffer, while evils a opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of~ the p med. ~But when a long train of ted to a candid world.~~ He h r the sole purpose of fatiguing them into~ compliance with his me he ~circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed ld for ~the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the au the inhabitants~ of these states:~~ For for~ naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass others to~ umstances of cruelty~ and perfidy scarcely paralle teen United States of America~~When, in the course of huma the works of death, desolation~ and tyranny, al aries.~~ He has erected a multitude of new offices ant from the depository of their~ public records, for the sole He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burned~ ting in attention to our British br s of foreign~ mercenar his assent to laws for es st of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.~~We, therefore, the re egislature.~~ He has affected to render the military independe states:~~ For cutting off our trade with all parts of the and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the a long time, after such dissolutions, to~ cause others e, unless suspended in their~ operation till his assent absolute rule in these colonies:~~ ject evinces a design to reduce them under absolute desp their~ substance.~~ He has ke r country, to become the~ executioners of their friends and brethren of Great Britain, is and ~ought to be total s will alone, for the~ tenure of their o mple and fit instrument for introducing the~ same absolute rule in th mselves by abolishing the forms e.~~Nor have we been wanting in attention tructive to these ends, it is the right of the substance.~~ He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing arm ~have full power to levey war, conclude peace, contract alliances, iness. That to secure ~these rights, governments are institut vernment, laying its ~foundat e has refused his assent to laws, the most wholesome and~ r hands.~~ He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, an l power.~~ He has combined with others to subject us to a obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing~ his as t of representation in the legislature, a~ right inestimable to the obtained; and when so~ suspended, he has utter mselves invested with power to legislate for us in all~ cases whatsoe to our constitution, and unacknowledg , than ~to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are or to fall~ themselves by thei en so~ suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to the aracter is thus marked by every act which ~may define a tyrant, is unfit and that ~all political connection be ss his invasions on the rights of~ the people excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has~ endeavored t ple, unless those people would~ relinquish the right of represe under absolute despotism, it is ~thei ich they are accustomed. ~But when a Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to e l other acts and things which independent states may ~of their right, it is their duty, to ed States of America~~When, in the course of h , which, would inevitably ~interrupt ou ch they are accustomed. ~But when a long tr iends.~~We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of hese ~united colonies are, and of right ought to be free a orms of our~ governments:~~ For suspending our d of a civilized nation.~~ He has constrained our fellow citize of mankind requires that they should declare the causes ~whic tes; ~that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown marked by every act which ~ma e most wholesome and~ necessary for the public good.~~ He h r acts of pretended legislation:~~ For quartering large bodi arbitrary~ government, and enlarging its e lives of our people.~~ He is at thi cessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold ~the laws for establishing judiciary powers.~~ He , appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world f ~ He has refused for a long time, after nt. The history of the presen ce and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties ~of sed to pass other laws for the accommodation~ ely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, will dictat of these states:~~ For cutting off ou with certain unalienable rights ion on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as t o alter or to abolish it, an mmit on the inhabitants~ of th on of Independence~~ [Adopted i it~ at once an example and fit instrument for intr the right of the people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to institute ut of~ his protection and waging war against us.~~ He has p strained our fellow citizens taken captive on the~ high s to these ends, it is the right of the people ~to alter or to country, to become the~ executioners of the military independent of and~ superior to civil pow cise; the state remaining i .~~ He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies~ y the ~same object evinces a design to reduce the urpose obstructing the laws for~ naturalization o mong us:~~ For protecting them, by mock trial, enlarging its boundaries k trial, from punishment for~ any murders whi hose people would~ relinquish the rig d fit instrument for introducing the~ hin.~~ He has endeavored to prevent a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably th ature, a~ right inestimable to them and form ~that they are absolved from all allegiance to the y form of ~government becomes destr rained our fellow citizens .~ y of the present ~King of Great Britain is a history of repe easures.~~ He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, ~unwarrantable jurisdiction ove 4 July 1776]~~~~ The Unanimous Declaration of th ive bodies at places unusual,~ uncomfortable, and distant f alone, for the~ tenure of their o times of peace, standing armies~ without t officers to harass our people, and eat out their~ s very act which ~may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free pe That whenever any form of ~government becom etitioned for redress in the ~most humbl ering fundamentally the forms of our~ g acts of pretended legislat m reliance ~on the protection of the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of ~ acts be submitted to a candid world.~~ He has re r most valuable~ laws, and altering fundamental f annihilation, have returned to the people at~ large for thei any murders which they should comm to secure ~these rights, governments are instituted among rate and equal station to ~which the laws of nature and egun with circumstances of cruelty~ and extend an ~unwarrantable jur as dissolved representative houses repeatedly to our British brethren. We have ~warned them from time to time efused his assent to laws, the most wh , sexes and~ conditions.~~In every stage of these oppressio ll ages, sexes and~ conditions.~~In every stage of these oppressions e of our intentions, do, in and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure ~these rights, govern ~~ For taking away our charters, abolishing ht do. And for the support of this declaration, with a otection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each ot posed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and~ cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers,~ incap nd usurpations, pursuing invariably the For cutting off our trade with all parts of the wor ey ~have full power to levey war, conclude peace, contract alliance es, establish ~commerce, and to do all other to pass other laws for the nnihilation, have returned to the people at~ large for their exe oever.~~ He has abdicated governme lished should not be changed ~for light and transien these are life, liberty and the pu ss. Prudence, ~indeed, will di o disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably ~having in direct object the establishment of an ull power to levey war, concl e, establishing therein an arbitrary~ government, and ralization of foreigners; refu and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, will dictate that gover nsent of our legislature.~~ He has affected to r s in war, in peace friends.~~We, therefore, the represent er the military independent of an lected to attend to them. ~~ He has refused to pas injury. A prince, whose character is thus ma abolishing our most valuable~ laws, and ouses repeatedly, for~ opposing with manl ~ swarms of officers to har ow off such government, and to provide ~new guards for thei cal connection between the e, and by the authority of ~the good people of these colonies, solemnly p laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our~ g ed. ~But when a long train of abuses and usurpatio ~ He has plundered our seas quiesce ~in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold t a decent respect ~to the opin that governments long established should not be ch ranny over these ~states. To prove this, let facts her, and raising the condit trained our fellow citizens taken captive ng us out of~ his protection and waging war a mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are suffer utually pledge to each other our ~lives, taxes on us without our consent:~~ For depriving us in many cases called together legislative bodies at places unusual,~ uncom ce ~in the necessity, which denounces our separation, and hol ndent on his will alone, for the~ tenure of their o se ~united colonies are, and of right ought to be reduce them under absolute despo sh laws in a~ neighboring province, esta things which independent states may ~of right do. And for nt of our legislature.~~ He has jury:~~ For transporting us beyond seas to b ~ He has endeavored to prevent the population of these~ vils are sufferable, than ~to right be tried for pretended~ offenses:~~ For ing its boundaries so as to render it~ at g them, by mock trial, from punishment for~ any murder terly neglected to attend to them. ~~ He has ref d to all the dangers of invasion from without, m of the ~circumstances of our e e been wanting in attention to ou ave reminded them of the ~circumstances of our emigra y~ and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages,~ e of these oppressions we have petiti ce, standing armies~ without the consent of our legislature.~~ prevent the population of these~ state m of ~government becomes destructive to these ends, it is sent should be obtained; and when so~ suspended, he and pressing importance, unless suspended in their~ operat ~But when a long train of abuses conditions.~~In every stage of these oppressions we have petitioned in, is and ~ought to be totally dissolved; and that as entatives of the United States of America, in ~Genera hold ~the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.~~We o them and formidable to t d requires that they should declare the causes ~wh ding our own legislatures, and declaring~ themselves le.~~ He has refused for a long time, after such f repeated injuries and usurpations to be the ruler of a free people. d to do all other acts and t assent to laws, the most wholesome and~ necessary for th them, a decent respect ~to the o nd brethren, or to fall~ themselves by their hands.~~ He has exci their country, to become the~ exec conclude peace, contract alliances, establish ~ d these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, or us in all~ cases what ree people.~~Nor have we been wanting in attention to our Briti nts only. ~~ He has called together legislative bodies at pla f their offices, and the amount and pay om without, and~ convulsions within.~~ He has tted to a candid world.~~ He h of pretended legislation:~~ For q ration, with a firm reliance ~on t legislative powers,~ incap e that governments long established should no ely to effect their safety and happine em of English laws in a~ neighboring province, establish o be tried for pretended~ offense idy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages,~ and totally unwor rs to pass laws of immediate~ and pressing importance, unless su itions have been answered tting off our trade with all parts of ing armies~ without the cons all the dangers of invasion from without, igration hither, and raising the ng our own legislatures, and declaring~ nst their country, to become the~ executioner is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all ~ sual,~ uncomfortable, n is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all ~h be free and independent states; ~that they are absolved from laws, and altering fundamental the world for ~the rectitude of our inten government becomes destructive to these ends, it is e bodies of armed troops among us:~~ be tried for pretended~ offenses:~~ our~ governments:~~ For suspending our own le ought to be free and independent states; ~that they are absolved fro ir right, it is their duty, to throw off suc eclaring us out of~ his prote of government. The history of the p swarms of officers to harass our people, a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.~~Nor have ry powers.~~ He has made judges dependent on his will alone, for th ree system of English laws in a~ neighboring province, es al,~ uncomfortable, and distant by mock trial, from punishment for~ any murders which they e of Great Britain, is and ~ought to be totally dissolved; and t er or to abolish it, and to institute new government, layin do, in the name, and by the authority of ~the good peop ~ any murders which they should commit native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by We have appealed to ~their native justice and magnanimity, and abolishing the forms to w ime to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an ~u for their future security. -- Such has been the patient ~suffer n hither, and raising the conditions~ of new appropriations of lands.~ the meantime~ exposed to al For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended~ offenses: e, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to sec repeated injuries and usurpations, all ~havi petitions have been answered only by ~repeated injury. A prince, he accommodation~ of large districts of people, unless those people w ed them by the ties ~of our co ing our most valuable~ laws, and altering correspondence. They too ha which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold ~the rest of m states; for that purpose obstructing the laws for~ na , in times of peace, standing armies he necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we ave reminded them of the ~circumstances of our emigration and set to fall~ themselves by their hands.~~ He has excited domestic ring~ themselves invested with power to legislate for us in al led in the most barbarous a l power.~~ He has combined with others to s ation to ~which the laws of nature and of maining in the meantime~ exposed to all t alliances, establish ~comme ay our charters, abolishing our most valuable~ law nswered only by ~repeated injury. A prince, whose chara ed with power to legislate for us in a attend to them. ~~ He has consent:~~ For depriving us in many cases, of t ompliance with his measures.~~ He has dissolved repres ght, it is their duty, to throw off such gover ature and of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect ~to the ion of foreigners; refusing ettlement here. We have appealed to ~their native justic uld not be changed ~for light and transient causes; and accor ty, which denounces our separation, and hold them, ial by~ jury:~~ For transporting us beyond seas t at once an example and fit in ng its boundaries so as to render it~ at once an example and f appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for ~the rectitude of ly. ~~ He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual,~ posing with manly firmness his invasions on t f human events, it becomes necessary for one people to ~dissolve the udges dependent on his will alone, for the~ olemnly publish and declare, that these ~u by their legislature to extend an ~unwarrantable jurisdiction over us ish and declare, that these ~united ments:~~ For suspending our own legislatures, and declaring~ them me, and by the authority of ~the good people of these colonies, solemnly nt of and~ superior to civil power.~~ rrespondence. They too have been deaf to the ~voice of just t whenever any form of ~go e oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the ~most humble terms: o ch the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle r is thus marked by every act which ~may define a ling to the Supreme Judge of th nment, laying its ~foundation on lved from all allegiance to the British Crown, ernors to pass laws of immediate~ and pre w guards for their future security. -- Such has been the patient ~suffer them, a decent respect ~to the opinions of mankind requ denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold ~the rest the right of the people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to inst as utterly neglected to atten such dissolutions, to~ cause others to be elected; whereby things which independent states may ~of right ept among us, in times of peace , ~indeed, will dictate th e to time of attempts by their legi migration hither, and raising the conditions~ of new appro ng his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:~~ For qu his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.~~ urage their migration hither, and raising the condition aws in a~ neighboring province, e do, in the name, and by the authority of ~the good people of these colo e state of Great Britain, is and ~ought to be totally dissolved; itants of our frontiers, the~ merciless Indian savages, whose that purpose obstructing the laws for~ naturaliza le rights, that ~among these are life, liberty and the pursuit for~ opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of~ murders which they should commit on the inhabitan ly unworthy of the head of a civilized nation.~~ He has constrained ou irm reliance ~on the protection of Divine Providenc peatedly, for~ opposing with manly firmness his invasions on th ments are instituted among men, deriving their just ~powers from the cons the ~most humble terms: our repeated pet cted to render the military y. ~~ He has called together g with manly firmness his invasions on the ri eration till his assent should be obtained; and when s h other our ~lives, our fortunes and our sacr and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by of trial by~ jury:~~ For transpor within.~~ He has endeavored to prevent ince, establishing therein an arbitrary~ government, and e not be changed ~for light and transient causes; and accordingly all e tion of Independence~~ by their hands.~~ He has excited domestic insurre y. -- Such has been the patient ~sufferance of these at they should declare the causes ~which impel them to the separation.~~W ted States of America, in ~General Congress, people at~ large for th ended, he has utterly negl or.~ America~~When, in the course of human events, i he present ~King of Great Britain is a history of repeate ~united colonies are, and of right ought to be free and ind absolute tyranny over these ~states. To prove this, let ience hath shown ~that mankind are more dis ~~ He has refused for a long petitioned for redress in the ~most humble terms: our repeated petitio .~~ He has made judges dependent on military independent of and~ superior to civil power.~ evils are sufferable, than ~to right themselves by must, therefore, acquiesce ~in that all men are created equal, ~that they ar interrupt our connections and corres ising the conditions~ of new legislative bodies at places unusual,~ uncomfortable cessary for the public good.~~ He has forbidden his governors to pass n of the Thirteen United St ent for introducing the~ same absolute power.~~ He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdictio lsions within.~~ He has endeavored to prevent the populatio their legislature to extend an ~unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We ha men, deriving their just ~pow tism, it is ~their right, it is their duty, to throw off such go e obtained; and when so~ cruelty~ and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most ba o all other acts and things which independent sta led in the most barbarous ages,~ and totally unworthy of the head of a of these states:~~ For cutting off our trade with a cenaries to complete the works of death, desolation~ and tyranny, alre e reminded them of the ~circumstan hile evils are sufferable, than ~t nds, it is the right of the people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to t the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these ~states. swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their~ su vernors to pass laws of immediat lation of these~ states; for that purpose obstructing the law exercise; the state remaining in the meantime~ e cases whatsoever.~~ He has abdicated ute tyranny over these ~states. To prove this, let fact ppealing to the Supreme Judge of the world h other our ~lives, our fortunes and our sacred ho nd of nature's God entitle them, a decent respect ~to the opinions of mank e Judge of the world for ~the rectitude of o wed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, vernment, laying its ~foundation on such principles an e has called together legislative bod e and independent states, they ~have full pow aration, and hold them, as we hold ~the rest of mankind, enemies in ectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and es of the United States of America, in ~General Congress, ass e, we mutually pledge to ea e people at~ large for their exercise; th gislature, a~ right inestimable to them and ent:~~ For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in mankind requires that they should declare the caus y scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages,~ hout the consent of our legislature.~~ He has s marked by every act which ught to be free and independent states; ~t most likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, wi st, therefore, acquiesce ~in the necessity, which den , it is their duty, to throw off su ucing the~ same absolute rule in th aracter is thus marked by every act which ~may define a after such dissolutions, to~ cause y our~ laws; giving his assent tish Crown, and that ~all political c stablish ~commerce, and to do all other acts and things wh He has dissolved representative houses repeatedly, for~ ey are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and ower.~~ He has combined with others to subject u for the~ tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment kind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are s we have petitioned for redress in the ~most and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbar ~ convulsions within.~~ nt, and to provide ~new guards for the r country, to become the~ executio eir friends and brethren, or to rince, whose character is thus marked by every act which ~may defin armed troops among us:~~ For protecting them, by mock trial, f ur connections and correspondence. Th es ~of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, wh t facts be submitted to a candid world he ~same object evinces a ould~ relinquish the right of representation arked by every act which ~may define a tyrant, is pondence. They too have been deaf to the ~voice of justice and of rs; refusing to pass others to~ armies~ without the cons ecomes destructive to these ends, it urse of human events, it becomes necessary ralleled in the most barbarous ages,~ other acts and things which indepen ld ~the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in pea ur towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.~~ He is at e powers of the earth, the separate and equal sta ions within.~~ He has endeavored to prevent the popula , it becomes necessary for one people to ~dissolve of new appropriations of lands.~~ He has ob dependent states; ~that they are ill his assent should be obtai e of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains ~th y firmness his invasions on the ions, all ~having in direct object the establishment of an a mmediate~ and pressing importance, unless susp inions of mankind requires that they should declare his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.~~ He has He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction~ forei refusing to pass others to~ encourage their migration hithe ese are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That nd to institute new government in the most barbarous ages,~ and totally unw es, of the benefits of trial by~ jury:~~ he works of death, desolation~ a l ~having in direct object the establishment of an absolute ble, and distant from the deposito has abdicated government sent of the governed. That whenever any form of o~ encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions~ n of foreigners; refusing to pass others to~ encourage their unfit to be the ruler of a f t to be totally dissolved; and that as free and domestic insurrections amongst us, and has~ e nections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the ~voice o ns within.~~ He has endeavored to prevent the o abolish it, and to institute new government, laying protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our declaration, with a firm th all parts of the world:~~ For imposi kindred to disavow these usurpations, rable, than ~to right themselves by abolishing the forms to wh ~ foreign to our constitution, and unackn civil power.~~ He has combined with others t e sole purpose of fatiguing them into~ compliance with his me that ~all political connection between them and the state of Great Brit to provide ~new guards for their future espect ~to the opinions of mankind s for the accommodation~ of large districts of the Thirteen United States of America~~Wh es of foreign~ mercenaries to complete the ature and of nature's God entitle them d accordingly all experience hath shown ~th re. We have appealed to ~their ny cases, of the benefits of trial by~ jury:~~ For r that purpose obstructing the dent states, they ~have full power to levey war, conclude the governed. That whenever any form of ~government beco paralleled in the most barbarous ages,~ ncomfortable, and distant from the depository ight of the people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new eir native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them b cred honor.~ offices, and sent hither~ swarms of officers to harass our peop ndependent of and~ superior to civil nd to institute new government, laying its ~foundation on such pr has kept among us, in times of peace, sta of pretended legislation:~~ For quartering large bo slatures, and declaring~ themselves invested with power to l and totally unworthy of the head of a civili r such dissolutions, to~ of fatiguing them into~ co old ~the rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.~~We, there likely to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, es a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is ~ of annihilation, have returned to the people at~ lar n the name, and by the authority o ts, it becomes necessary for one people to ~ offices, and the amount and payment of their~ salaries.~ naturalization of foreigners; refusing ritain, is and ~ought to b ted government here, by declaring on of foreigners; refusing t aws in a~ neighboring province, establishing therein an arbi to~ encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditio hould not be changed ~for light and transient c rule in these colonies:~~ For ta ost wholesome and~ necessary f ving their just ~powers fr by declaring us out of~ his protection and waging war again ases, of the benefits of tr elinquish the right of representation in nce, whose character is thus marked by every act which ~m thout the consent of our legislature.~~ He redress in the ~most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been a unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the ~circu ple would~ relinquish at governments long establishe abdicated government here, by declari necessary for the public good.~~ He h shown ~that mankind are more disposed to suffer, rms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their~ su right inestimable to them and formidable to tyra erein an arbitrary~ government, and enlarging its boundari such form, as to ~them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and and tyranny, already begun with c e establishment of an absolute tyra es of America~~When, in the course of human eve s of America, in ~General Congress, assemb itioned for redress in the ~most humble terms: our repeated sign to reduce them under absolute despotis on on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, a form, as to ~them shall seem most likely to effect their saf He has combined with others to su sh ~commerce, and to do all other acts and things which in isavow these usurpations, which, woul ons, do, in the name, and by the authority of ~the good people o midable to tyrants only. ~~ He has called together legis ng to the Supreme Judge of the w ~ the people.~~ He has is assent to laws, the most wholesome ce, standing armies~ without the consent of our le pursuit of happiness. That to secu umble terms: our repeated petitions have been answered only by ~repeated , it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide ing them, by mock trial, from punishment for~ any murder ed by every act which ~may define a tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a ected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither~ swa ring us out of~ his protecti s have been answered only by ~repeated inj nder it~ at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the~ t is their duty, to throw off ey should declare the causes others to be elected; whereby blished should not be changed ~for ructed the administration of just refusing~ his assent to laws for establishing judiciary pow sing with manly firmness his invasion He has kept among us, in times of peace, standin ng fundamentally the forms of our~ governments:~~ For s o a jurisdiction~ foreign to our constit ur constitution, and unacknowledged by our~ laws; giving his as of English laws in a~ neighboring province h principles and organizing its .~~We, therefore, the repr l men are created equal, ~that they are endowed remaining in the meantime~ expo o suffer, while evils are sufferable, th encourage their migration hither, and raising the condi tration of justice, by refusing~ his a iguing them into~ compliance with h rnments long established sh s:~~ For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world:~~ amongst us, and has~ endeavored t ed troops among us:~~ For protecting th o be totally dissolved; and that a or redress in the ~most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been all~ cases whatsoever.~~ He has ab rule of warfare, is~ undistinguished mankind are more disposed to suffer, wh preme Judge of the world f our frontiers, the~ merciless Indian savages, whose known rule o ~We hold these truths to be self-e by the legislative powers,~ d~ our towns, and destroyed the lives cruelty~ and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most b ty~ and perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous the powers of the earth, the separate and eq answered only by ~repeated injury. A prince, whose character is th he free system of English laws in a~ neighboring acknowledged by our~ laws; giving his a dly, for~ opposing with manly firmness his invasions constitution, and unacknowledged by our~ laws; giving hi hither~ swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out the -- Such has been the patient ~suffera ers,~ incapable of annihil nds.~~ He has obstructed the nces, establish ~commerce, and to do all other acts an enemies in war, in peace friends.~~We, t nt. The history of the present ~King of Great Britain world for ~the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the name, and by the rains ~them to alter their former systems of government. The histo of America~~When, in the course of human events, it becomes necess ract alliances, establish ~commerce, and to do all other has refused for a long time, after such di a, in ~General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of t o legislate for us in all~ cases whatsoev . We have ~warned them from time to time of at cases whatsoever.~~ He has abdicated government h is unfit to be the ruler of a epeatedly, for~ opposing with manly fir ed with others to subject us to a jurisdiction~ foreign to our nd totally unworthy of the head of a civilized nati He has refused to pass other laws for the a rmies~ without the consent of our legislature.~~ ese rights, governments are instituted among us beyond seas to be tried f ur frontiers, the~ merciless Indian savages, whose kno neighboring province, establishing therein annihilation, have returned to the people at~ lar combined with others to subject us to a jurisdict f trial by~ jury:~~ For transporting us beyo tes of America~~When, in the course of human events, it becomes nece honor.~ r the~ tenure of their offices, and the amount and the benefits of trial by~ jury:~~ For transporting us f abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the ~same object evinces a ishing our most valuable~ laws, and altering fundamentally the d a multitude of new offices, and sent hither red to bring on the inhabitants of our fronti f the Thirteen United States of America~~When, in the course of inevitably ~interrupt our connections and corre suspending our own legislatu ndeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our front avored to prevent the population of these~ states; for that pu e world for ~the rectitude of our in boundaries so as to render it~ at once an example and fit in large bodies of armed troops among us:~~ For usurpations, which, would inevitably ~interrupt our connections and corr ndent states; ~that they are absolved from all allegiance to t ces our separation, and hold them, re the causes ~which impel them to the separation.~~We hold t independent of and~ superior to civil power.~~ e to extend an ~unwarrantable jurisdicti dly, for~ opposing with manly firmness h tablish ~commerce, and to do all other acts and things which independ tate remaining in the meantime~ forms of our~ governments:~~ cessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, ng our most valuable~ laws, and sdiction~ foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged ing their just ~powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever an declaring us out of~ his protection and wagin Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of A the protection of Divine Providence, we mu . We have reminded them of the ~circumstances of our ght do. And for the support of this declaration, with a firm necessity which constrains ~them to alter their fo s of armed troops among us:~~ For protecting them, by mock trial, f and accordingly all experience hath shown ~that mankind are more d to~ encourage their migration hither, and raising the conditions ves of our people.~~ He is a ssary for one people to ~dis ressions we have petitioned for redress in pretended~ offenses:~~ For abolishing the free system arge districts of people, unless those people would~ relinquish to bear arms against their country, to become the~ executi of these states:~~ For cutting off our trade with all parts Declaration of Independence~~ transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown ~that efits of trial by~ jury:~ systems of government. The history of the present ~King of Great Britai tions amongst us, and has~ ople.~~ He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to out of~ his protection and waging war against us.~~ He h ded them of the ~circumstances of our emigration and s ration of the Thirteen United States of America~~When, in the cours rpose obstructing the laws for~ naturalization of foreigners; r f trial by~ jury:~~ the consent of the governed. That of justice, by refusing~ his ass to do all other acts and things which independent s der the military independent of and~ superior to civil power ect evinces a design to reduce to alter their former systems of governm ~in the necessity, which denoun ty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure ~these right s dissolved representative houses repeatedly, f rights, that ~among these are life, liberty and the pur hat they are endowed by their of new offices, and sent hither~ sw so as to render it~ at once a es and~ conditions.~~In every stage of these oppressions we ha .~~ He has kept among us, in times of peace, the people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, l s of invasion from without, and~ convulsions with atures, and declaring~ themselves ve to these ends, it is the right of the p for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown ted injury. A prince, whose charac gislative powers,~ incapable of annihilation, have returned olemnly publish and declare, that these ~united colonies ar tion~ foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged tic insurrections amongst us, and has~ ende ey should declare the causes ~which impel the e right of representation in the legislature, a~ hese are life, liberty and the er.~~ He has combined with others to subject us t laration of the Thirteen United , than ~to right themselves by ng~ his assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.~~ s by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. e and~ necessary for the public good.~~ He has forbidden his ated petitions have been answered only by ~repeated injury. A prince d such is now the necessity which constrains ~them to alter their to ~their native justice and magnanimity, and we have con priations of lands.~~ He has obstructed the administration of j he necessity which constrains ~them to rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friends.~~We, therefore, the these ends, it is the right of the people ~to alt and raising the conditions~ of new appro w these usurpations, which, would inevitably ~interrupt o pending our own legislatures, and declaring~ thems mselves by their hands.~~ He has exci essing importance, unless suspended in the and usurpations, pursuing invariably the ~same ob captive on the~ high seas to bear arms against their country, to becom oducing the~ same absolute rule in these co colonies are, and of right ought to be free an r safety and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, will dic hed should not be changed ~for light and tra t on the inhabitants~ of these states:~~ For cutting ~have full power to levey tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their hey are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, and that ~all nt on his will alone, for the~ tenure of thei and~ convulsions within.~~ He has endeav of these colonies, solemnly publish and declar ion on such principles and organi , would inevitably ~interrupt ill dictate that government dangers of invasion from wi and when so~ suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. ~ d hold them, as we hold ~the rest ~ his protection and waging war against us.~~ t, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and resent ~King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usur t is ~their right, it is their duty, to throw off such g them to the separation.~~We hold these truths to be self-evident, that a een them and the state of Great Britain, their safety and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, will dictate s assent to laws for establishing judiciary powers.~~ king away our charters, ab hts, that ~among these are life, liberty an n.~~ He has endeavored to pre ferance of these colonies; and such is lature, a~ right inestimable to them and formidable to tyran British brethren. We have ~warned them from time to time of att ury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which ~may de e inhabitants~ of these states:~~ opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes ~which herefore, acquiesce ~in the n o bear arms against their country, to become the~ executioner y the forms of our~ governments:~~ For suspending o at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the~ all~ cases whatsoever.~~ He has abdicated government here, d by the authority of ~the good pe political bands which have c s assent to laws for establishing judiciary po the laws for~ naturalization of foreigners; refusing power.~~ He has combined with others to subject us to , and declaring~ themsel ree and independent states; ~that they are a inst their country, to become the~ executioners lation:~~ For quartering large bodies of armed troops among d~ convulsions within. same absolute rule in these colonies:~~ For taking away our ch olute tyranny over these ~states. would~ relinquish the right of representa happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, will di rnment here, by declaring us out of~ his protection and waging war a For abolishing the free system of Englis ~these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just has utterly neglected to attend to t on his will alone, for the~ g to the Supreme Judge of the world for ~the rectitud ufferable, than ~to right themselves by abolishing the forms to use others to be elected; whereby the legislative pow n such form, as to ~them shall seem most l this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. hs to be self-evident, that all men are created e slative powers,~ incapable of annihilation tion hither, and raising the conditions~ of new appropriati s, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just ~pow e on the~ high seas to bear arms against their coun .~~ He has made judges de hed should not be changed ~for light and transient causes; by the legislative powers,~ incapable of annihilation rotection and waging war again neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary~ government, security. -- Such has been the patient ~sufferance of t them, a decent respect ~to the opinions o at once an example and of Great Britain is a history of repeated inj to the Supreme Judge of the world for ~the rectitude of declaration, with a firm reliance ~on the protection of Divine Provide hould declare the causes ~which impel them to the the ties ~of our common e political bands which have connected them with another, and vernment here, by declaring us out of~ th, desolation~ and tyranny, already ain unalienable rights, tha ~voice of justice and of c instituted among men, deriving their just ~powers from the conse mselves by their hands.~~ He has exc all allegiance to the British Crown, and that ~all political co pations, all ~having in direct ob ration and settlement here. We have appealed to ~their native ju ry~ government, and enlar separate and equal station to ~which the l nd to institute new government, laying its ~foundation liance ~on the protection of Divi rs to be elected; whereby the legislative powers,~ in certain unalienable rights, that ~among the acknowledged by our~ laws; giving his assent to their acts of pre seas, ravaged our coasts, burned~ our towns, and destro instituted among men, deriving thei ies ~of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, w ute rule in these colonies:~~ For taking away e of fatiguing them into~ compliance with his measures.~~ He has peated injury. A prince, whose character i ff our trade with all parts of the world:~~ For imposing taxes o le, and distant from the depository attempts by their legislature to extend an ~unwarrantable jurisdi friends and brethren, or to fall~ themselves by their hands.~ ortable, and distant from the depos the representatives of the United States unes and our sacred honor.~ dent on his will alone, for the~ tenure of their offices, and the amou ous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of eclaration of Independence~~ [Adopt tering fundamentally the forms of our~ governments:~~ For fter such dissolutions, to~ strained our fellow citizens taken captive on the~ high seas to bear a begun with circumstances s so as to render it~ at once an example and fit instrument for int the people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to institute of our emigration and settlement h e among the powers of the earth, the separate ng taxes on us without our consent:~~ For depriving us , contract alliances, establish ~comme ic good.~~ He has forbidden his gov s, it is the right of the people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to instit therefore, the representatives ealing to the Supreme Judge of the world eir former systems of government. The history of the pre indeed, will dictate that governments long established should s at places unusual,~ uncomfortable, and distant from the depositor te despotism, it is ~their right, it is their duty, to thr e appealed to ~their native justice and magnanimity, imposing taxes on us without our consent:~~ For depriving us in many c over us. We have reminded them of the ~circumstances o :~~ For transporting us beyond h manly firmness his invasions on in the meantime~ exposed to all the dangers of invasion fr en so~ suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to ions within.~~ He has endeavored to pr o be the ruler of a free people.~~Nor have we been want ation~ of large districts of people, unless those peopl ble of annihilation, have returned to the people at~ ~~ He has called together legislative ces a design to reduce them under absolute de nt, laying its ~foundation on se colonies:~~ For taking away our charters, abolishing to~ cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative powers,~ we have conjured them by the ties ~of our wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have ~warned in direct object the establishm jury:~~ For transporting us beyond seas to be tried f s repeatedly, for~ opposing with manly firmness his invasions on iance ~on the protection of Di fall~ themselves by their hands. He has refused for a long time, after such d ess. Prudence, ~indeed, will dictate that governments long esta ring us out of~ his protection and waging ~~~ The Unanimous Declaration of t , and the amount and payment of their~ salaries.~~ He has ere undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and~ conditions.~~In he~ executioners of their friends and brethren, or to fall of justice, by refusing~ his assent to laws for establishing judicia d equal station to ~which the ion of foreigners; refusing to pass others to~ encourage their migr ~ He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual,~ a multitude of new offices, and sent hither~ swarm e, unless suspended in their~ operation till his assent should be d his assent to laws, the most wholesome a ly all experience hath shown ~that mankind are more dispose ts of~ the people.~~ He has refused for a long time, aft lves invested with power to legisla convulsions within.~~ He has endeavored to prevent the population ~ exposed to all the dangers ~ right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants lation:~~ For quartering large bodies l allegiance to the British Crown, and that ~all erciless Indian savages, whose known rule of warfare, is~ undis destructive to these ends, it is the ri h the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle ve to these ends, it is the right of the people ~to alter or to ~most humble terms: our repeated petitions have been nguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce ~in the necessity, which denounces e are life, liberty and the pursuit of happ ce, establishing therein an arbitrary~ gover ants~ of these states:~~ ized nation.~~ He has constrained our fellow citi the causes ~which impel them to world:~~ For imposing taxes on us without our consent:~~ nless those people would~ relinquish the right of repr or the sole purpose of fatiguing them into~ compliance with his have ~warned them from time to time of attempts by the ritish brethren. We have ~warned ly the forms of our~ governments:~~ For suspending our own ish brethren. We have ~warned them from time to king away our charters, abolishing our m tedly, for~ opposing with manly firmness his laws for the accommodation~ enable rights, that ~among thes ~ cause others to be elected; whereb alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, been deaf to the ~voice of justice and of consanguinity. We mu ~that they are endowed by their tes. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world. introducing the~ same absolute rule in these coloni For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended~ offen esentation in the legisla ign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our~ laws; giving his ons and correspondence. Th e would~ relinquish the right of representation in t, and~ convulsions within.~~ to tyrants only. ~~ He has called togethe their legislature to extend an ~unwarrantable j vored to prevent the popu rld for ~the rectitude of our intent of new offices, and sent hither~ swarms of officers ty and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed nces of our emigration and settlement here. We have appeale cause others to be elected; wh he most barbarous ages,~ and to uman events, it becomes necessary m, as we hold ~the rest of manki te rule in these colonies:~~ F s of America, in ~General Congress, asse ored to prevent the population of these~ people at~ large for er, and raising the conditions~ of new a ll experience hath shown ~that mankin e free and independent states; ~that they are absolved from a e establishment of an absolute tyranny over these ~states. ch dissolutions, to~ cause others to be ele rest of mankind, enemies in war, in peace friend ariably the ~same object evinces a design to re ction~ foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by o , for the sole purpose of fat n are created equal, ~that they are endowed by their C ,~ incapable of annihilation, have returne seas, ravaged our coasts, burned~ the Thirteen United States of es on us without our consent:~~ For depriving us in many cases, eir exercise; the state remain ect us to a jurisdiction~ foreign to our constitution, and unackn l the dangers of invasion from without, bands which have connected them with another, and to ~assu , desolation~ and tyr of right do. And for the support of enable rights, that ~among these are life, liberty and the pur ants of our frontiers, the~ merciless Indian savages, whos ive justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by th we been wanting in attention to our British bret therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in ~Ge coasts, burned~ our towns, and destroyed the lives of our peop ions, to~ cause others to be elect s and~ conditions.~~In every life, liberty and the pursu tate that governments long established should not be changed ~fo egislative bodies at places unusual,~ uncomfortable, and dist [Adopted in Congress 4 July 1776]~~~~ The Unanimous Declaratio refused to pass other laws for e returned to the people at~ large for their exerci ongst us, and has~ endeavor of armed troops among us:~~ For protecting them, by mock t our repeated petitions have b e in these colonies:~~ e necessity, which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold ~t ffer, while evils are sufferable, than ~to right themselves by abolishi we have petitioned for redress in the ~most hu d~ relinquish the right of represen , that these ~united colonies are, and o uce them under absolute despotism, it is ~their onclude peace, contract alliances, in unalienable rights, that ~among ry:~~ For transporting us beyond seas to be tri ainst their country, to become the~ executioners of their ions, to~ cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative po ate that governments long established s inst us.~~ He has plundered our seas, ravaged o rmed troops among us:~~ For protecting them t. The history of the present ~King of Great Britain is a hi me, after such dissolutions, to~ cause others to be elected; wh example and fit instrument for i in all~ cases whatsoever.~~ He has abdicate has affected to render the military independent of and~ superior f large districts of people, unless those peop ~ For suspending our own legislatures overnment, and to provide ~new guards for their future till his assent should be o nown rule of warfare, is~ undistinguished d ration and settlement here. We the establishment of an absol fer, while evils are sufferable, than ~to to disavow these usurpations, which, wou ect us to a jurisdiction~ fore officers to harass our people, and eat out their~ rpations, all ~having in direct object the establishment of an abs bstance.~~ He has kept among us, in times of peace, standing ar mock trial, from punishment for~ any murders abolishing the forms to which they are accusto ing judiciary powers.~~ He has for redress in the ~most humble terms: our repeated petitions g armies~ without the consent of our legislat to legislate for us in all~ cases whatsoever.~~ He has abdicated g ng in the meantime~ exposed to al therefore, acquiesce ~in the necessity, which denounces our itably ~interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have uing invariably the ~same object evinces a design to reduce them under ab e, is~ undistinguished destruction of all age e rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving th his protection and waging war against us.~~ He has to throw off such government, and to provide ~new guards for t y should declare the causes ~which impel them to tary independent of and~ superior to civil power.~~ rovide ~new guards for their future es and our sacred honor.~ those people would~ relinquish the right of repres security. -- Such has been the patient ~sufferance of these colonies; and whose known rule of warfare, is~ undis t to their acts of pretended legislation:~~ F stances of our emigration and settlement here. We ovidence, we mutually pledge to each other our ~lives, our f ces, and sent hither~ swarms nited States of America, i atiguing them into~ comp abolishing the forms to which to extend an ~unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. r trade with all parts of the world:~~ For imposing taxes on u y are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, a s, the~ merciless Indian savages, whose kno ed in their~ operation till his assent s power.~~ He has combined ies of foreign~ mercenaries to complete the works of death, desolati duty, to throw off such government, and to provide ~new gu of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably th itish brethren. We have ~warned the imous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America~~When, in the bstructed the administration of justice, by refusing~ migration and settlement here. We have appealed to ~t large districts of people, unless those people would~ relinqu ection between them and the state of tates of America~~When, in the course of human ev issolutions, to~ cause others to be elected; whereby t from without, and~ convulsions within.~~ to be totally dissolved; and that as free and independent sta y of their~ public records, for the sole purpose of e ~on the protection of Divine P former systems of government. The history of the present ~King of Great al station to ~which the l rge bodies of armed troops among us:~~ For protecting th sions within.~~ He has endeavo ~ superior to civil power.~~ He has c e security. -- Such has been the patient ~sufferanc d~ convulsions within.~~ He has endeavored to pre inity. We must, therefore, acq self-evident, that all men are create ffices, and sent hither~ swarms of officers to harass our peop r~ public records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into~ o, in the name, and by the authority of ~the good people r hands.~~ He has excited dome nment, laying its ~foundation on such principles and organizing its power them into~ compliance with his measures.~~ He has ves of our people.~~ He i and to ~assume among the powers of the earth, the separa d an ~unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have r He has erected a multitude of new offices, a ned~ our towns, and destroyed the ach other our ~lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.~ savages, whose known rule of warfare, is~ undistinguished dest assent to laws, the most whole ual, ~that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unaliena as free and independent states, they ~have full the Thirteen United States of America~~When, in the e separation.~~We hold these truths to be self-evident, that al and of nature's God entitle them, a dec guards for their future security. -- Such their country, to become the~ executioners of ng them into~ complian eas to bear arms against their country, to become the~ execution riends and brethren, or to fall~ themse y ~interrupt our connections and correspondence. They ~ necessary for the public good.~~ He has fo o fall~ themselves by their hands.~~ He h or transporting us beyond sea their acts of pretended legis to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is ~t erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hith salaries.~~ He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hit relinquish the right of representation in the legisl eclaration, with a firm reliance ~on the protection of Divine rected a multitude of new offices, and sent h He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has~ endea ives of the United States of America, in ~Ge That whenever any form of ~ away our charters, abolishing ou uction of all ages, sexes and~ conditions.~~In ev Thirteen United States of America~~When, in tract alliances, establish ~ e them, a decent respect ~to the opinions of mankind requires that they s distant from the depository of their~ public ese colonies:~~ For taking away our ch ual station to ~which the laws of nature and of nat which denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold ~the tions amongst us, and has~ endeavored to bring on the ases, of the benefits of trial by~ jury: vaged our coasts, burned~ our towns, and destroyed the liv , the most wholesome and~ our trade with all parts of the world:~~ For imposing taxes on ditions~ of new appropria For depriving us in ma ed for a long time, after such dissolutions, to~ cause others t all ~having in direct object th their just ~powers from the co salaries.~~ He has erected a multitude of new te despotism, it is ~their right, it is their duty, to throw off su causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown ~that mankind are more table, and distant from t s for~ naturalization of fore efused for a long time, after such dissol lives of our people.~~ He is at this time transporti tanding armies~ without the consent of our legislature.~~ here, by declaring us out of~ his protection and wagin r~ naturalization of foreigners; refusing to pass othe idable to tyrants only. ~~ He en them and the state of Great Britain, is and ~ought to be totally disso governments are instituted among men, deriving their al, ~that they are endowed by their Crea are accustomed. ~But when a long train of dependence~~ [Adopted i aracter is thus marked by every act which ~may or cutting off our trade with all parts are life, liberty and the pursuit of h ilation, have returned to the people at~ large for the equal station to ~which the laws of nature d requires that they should declare the causes ~ ommodation~ of large districts of people, unless those people would~ ower.~~ He has combined with o have appealed to ~their native justice barbarous ages,~ and totally unworthy of the head of a civilized nati ince, establishing therein an n on such principles and organizing i ntentions, do, in the name, and by the au circumstances of our emigration and ~assume among the powers of the earth, the separ eriving their just ~powers f For taking away our charters, abolishing our most valuable ~ and pressing importance, unless suspended in their~ o therefore, the representatives of the United States of invasions on the rights of~ the people.~~ He has refused for a l rds, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into~ complian nt respect ~to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declar ither, and raising the conditions~ of new appropri em into~ compliance with his measures owers in such form, as to ~them shall seem most likely to effect the ts, burned~ our towns, and destroyed the live of these states:~~ For cutting off our trade with all parts islative powers,~ incapable have been deaf to the ~voice of justice and of consanguinity. We mus appealed to ~their native justice and magnan one, for the~ tenure of their o ~General Congress, assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of t d among men, deriving their just ~ remaining in the meantime~ exposed to a ur separation, and hold them, as we ands.~~ He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refusing~ m and formidable to tyrants only. ~~ He has call against their country, to become the~ executioners of their fr trial, from punishment for~ any murders which they shoul ge of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the ~most hum d to prevent the population of these~ state ependent states may ~of right do. And for the support of this declarati our intentions, do, in the name, and by the authori hemselves invested with power t large for their exercise; the state remaining in the meantim rule of warfare, is~ undistinguished destruction of all ages, sex terly neglected to attend to them. ~~ He has refused to pass other l nection between them and the state of Gr itably ~interrupt our connections and co formidable to tyrants only. ~~ He has called together do all other acts and things which independent ory of their~ public records, for the sole purpose atsoever.~~ He has abdic ow off such government, and to do, in the name, and by the authority of hemselves invested with power to legislate for us in all~ c ~~ He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of~ h es; ~that they are absolved from people ~to alter or to a swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their~ es by their hands.~~ He has opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the n over us. We have reminded them of the ~circumstan clude peace, contract alliances, establish ~commerce, and to do He has called together legislative bodies at places unusu kept among us, in times of peace, standing armies~ with , it becomes necessary for one people to ~dissolve the political bands w :~~ For protecting them, by mock trial, nd to ~assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal stati ble rights, that ~among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of for the support of this declar nd are more disposed to suffer, He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to~ cau e bodies at places unusual,~ uncomforta rantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded th invasion from without, and~ convul has made judges dependent on his will alone, for the~ tenure of their lic records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing ~~ He has called together good.~~ He has forbidden his governor He has refused his assent to la e has refused to pass other laws for the accommodation~ of large distr state remaining in the meantim endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of our f ~repeated injury. A prince, whose ch ces, and the amount and payment o f the Thirteen United States of America~ t, and~ convulsions within.~~ tates. To prove this, let facts be subm e has erected a multitude of new of arts of the world:~~ For impo swarms of officers to hara nsent of the governed. That whenever any form s~ without the consent ons.~~In every stage of these oppressions we aining in the meantime~ exposed to all the dangers of invas on~ foreign to our constitution, and his assent should be obtained; and when of these oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the ~most humble t government, and enlarging its boundaries so as to render it~ at on He has constrained our fell by abolishing the forms to which they are a all other acts and things whic owers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of ~gover men, deriving their just ~powers from the consent of th anding armies~ without the consent of our legisla and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty~ ce hath shown ~that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while ment of an absolute tyranny over these ~states. To cent respect ~to the opinions of m mankind, enemies in war, , it becomes necessary for one people to to effect their safety and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, will dictate t posing taxes on us without our c . To prove this, let facts tering fundamentally the forms of ty, to throw off such government, and ranny over these ~states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a can egislatures, and declaring~ thems dicated government here, by declaring tion of Divine Providence, n the name, and by the authority of ~the go an example and fit instrument for rmness his invasions on the rights of~ the people.~~ He has refu undered our seas, ravaged ou ommodation~ of large districts of people, unless s refused for a long time, after s the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of ~government becom ffenses:~~ For abolishing th mbined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction~ foreign t charters, abolishing our most valuable~ laws, a ffices, and sent hither~ swarms of officers to harass ou n the inhabitants~ of these states:~~ F n~ and tyranny, already begun with circum issolve the political bands which have connected them with a ners; refusing to pass others to he lives of our people.~~ He is at eir migration hither, and raising the conditions~ o they are accustomed. ~But when a lo itish brethren. We have ~warned nity. We must, therefore, acquiesce ~in the necessity, which deno nd the amount and payment of their~ d raising the conditions~ of new appropriations of land forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate~ and pressing i ogether legislative bodies at places unusual,~ uncomfort ~~ He is at this time transporting large armies of ur sacred honor.~ atiguing them into~ compliance laws, and altering fundamentally th swarms of officers to harass our people, and eat out their~ nd for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance ~on th is a history of repeated injuries and usu sing importance, unless suspende aration of Independence~~ [Adopted in Congres igners; refusing to pass others to~ encourage their le~ laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our~ onditions.~~In every stage of these oppressions we hav ur British brethren. We have ~warned them from time to time of attempts or protecting them, by mock trial, from punishment for~ any murders wh He has kept among us, in time ~ neighboring province, establishing ivine Providence, we mutually pledge to e ~ jury:~~ For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for ntry, to become the~ executioners of their friends and bre our seas, ravaged our coasts, bu distinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and~ conditions.~~In ever certain unalienable rights, that ~among these are life, perience hath shown ~that manki e hath shown ~that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are new government, laying its ~foundation on of and~ superior to civil power.~~ He has combined with oth fer, while evils are sufferable, than ~to right th in the most barbarous ages,~ and totally u an events, it becomes necessary for one people to ~disso thers to~ encourage their migration hither, and raising t dissolved; and that as free and independent state n of justice, by refusing~ his asse d accordingly all experience hath shown ~that mankind are more disposed merciless Indian savages, whose known rule of w nly firmness his invasions on the ri convulsions within.~~ He has endeavored to s endeavored to prevent the population of these~ states essions we have petitioned for red ers which they should commit on the inhabitan form, as to ~them shall seem most like s of invasion from without, and~ convulsions within.~~ He e friends.~~We, therefore, the rep f happiness. That to secure ~these ri es, and declaring~ themselves invested with power to legislate f have ~warned them from time to time of attempts nce with his measures.~~ He has dis epeated injuries and usurpations, all ~having in direct object the rs of the earth, the separate and equal station to ~which th ected; whereby the legislative powers,~ incapable er, and raising the conditions~ of new appropriations of la encourage their migration hither, a vent the population of these~ states; for t n the most barbarous ages,~ and istinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and~ conditi the accommodation~ of common kindred to disavow these usurpations ative houses repeatedly, for~ opposing with ma A prince, whose characte on the~ high seas to bear arms against their cou ion and waging war against us.~~ He has plundered our seas been wanting in attention to shing therein an arbitrary~ government, and enlarging its bou rmies of foreign~ mercenaries to co rsuing invariably the ~same object evinces sed his assent to laws, the most wholesome and~ necessary f al by~ jury:~~ For transporting us beyond seas to be trie rs of the earth, the separate and equal station to ~which the laws of otally unworthy of the head of a civilized nat d; whereby the legislative pow ishing our most valuable~ laws, and al he legislative powers,~ incapab aries.~~ He has erected a payment of their~ salaries.~~ d States of America, in ~General Congress, assemb damentally the forms of our~ governments:~~ For suspending our own olation~ and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of cruelty gislatures, and declaring~ themselves invested with power r the public good.~~ He has forbidden le rights, that ~among these are li and organizing its powers in such form, as to otection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our ~l them to the separation.~~We hold these truths t these ~united colonies are, and of right For taking away our charters, abol e jurisdiction over us. We have reminded st barbarous ages,~ and totally unworthy of the hea an arbitrary~ government, and enlarging its boundar d~ offenses:~~ For abolishing the free system of Englis hout the consent of our legislature.~~ He has affected nded in their~ operation till his assent s the~ tenure of their offices, and the amount a of new offices, and sent hither~ swarms of e purpose of fatiguing them into~ co nd usurpations, all ~having in direct ing his assent to their a neighboring province, establ ave petitioned for redress in the ~most humble terms: our repeated pet country, to become the~ executioners of their friends a He has endeavored to preve nguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce ~in the n its boundaries so as to render it~ ubmitted to a candid world.~~ He has refused his assent to laws, elves invested with power to legi to be elected; whereby the legislative powers,~ incapable of ann to ~dissolve the political bands which y our charters, abolishing our most valuabl en, in the course of huma which ~may define a tyrant, is e state of Great Britain, is and ~ought to be totally dissolved es, and the amount and payment of their~ salaries.~~ He has d enlarging its boundaries so as to re hey are endowed by their Creator with certa among us:~~ For protecting them, by fidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous a s:~~ For taking away our charters, abolishing ght ought to be free and independent states; ~that they are a otism, it is ~their right, it is their duty, to throw off su d by every act which ~may define a e sole purpose of fatiguing them into~ complia al bands which have connected them unless suspended in their~ operation n all~ cases whatsoever.~~ He has abdicated government here, by introducing the~ same absolute rul which independent states manly firmness his invasions on the rights of~ the people.~~ their~ salaries.~~ He has erected a m ages, sexes and~ conditions.~~In e of~ the people.~~ He has refused for a long tim om time to time of attempts by their le may ~of right do. And for the support of this declaratio and that as free and independent states, they ~have laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our~ , contract alliances, establis petitions have been answered only by ~rep esign to reduce them under absolute despotism, it i ll the dangers of invasion fro ~that mankind are more disposed to suffer, whil rantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded th cases whatsoever.~~ consent:~~ For depriving us in their~ substance.~~ en, deriving their just ~powers from the c Independence~~ [Adopted in Congress 4 July s his invasions on the rights of~ the people.~~ have full power to levey war, conclude peace, their former systems of government. The history of the present ~King of pressions we have petitioned for re es of America~~When, in the course of human events, it b appropriations of lands.~~ He has obstructed the administration of jus He has erected a multitude o n such principles and organiz ates; ~that they are absolved fr ~~ For transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended~ offe glected to attend to them s made judges dependent on his will alone, for ers to be elected; whereby the legislat eas to be tried for pretended~ offenses: oops among us:~~ For protecting them, by mock d totally unworthy of the head of a civilized nat en, deriving their just ~powers from the consent of the gov taxes on us without our cons onsanguinity. We must, the exercise; the state remaining in the meantime~ He has obstructed the administration of justice, by refus and~ conditions.~~In eve station to ~which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle t world:~~ For imposing taxes on us extend an ~unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them o Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our ~lives, our fortunes to secure ~these rights, e.~~ He has refused for a long time, after suc with power to legislate for us in all~ c tes of America, in ~General Congress, assemb the benefits of trial by~ jury:~~ For transporting us beyond acquiesce ~in the necessity, with another, and to ~assume among ransient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown tes; for that purpose obstructing the laws for~ wholesome and~ necessary for emnly publish and declare, tha the military independent of and~ superior to civil power.~~ He [Adopted in Congress 4 July 177 for us in all~ cases whatsoever.~~ He has rage their migration hither rovide ~new guards for their future security. -- Such has been the patient g us beyond seas to be tried for pr ndowed by their Creator with certain For imposing taxes on ower.~~ He has combined with others ents are instituted among men, deriving their just ~powers f stration of justice, by refusing~ his assent to laws for esta ing province, establishing the vernments are instituted among men, deriving their just ~po ous Declaration of the Thirteen United States of America~~When, powers.~~ He has made judges dependen to fall~ themselves by t ts~ of these states:~~ For cutting off our t me to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an ~ e people.~~Nor have we been wanting in ate of Great Britain, is and ~ought to be totally dissolv his assent to laws for est transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown ~that ma - Such has been the patient ~sufferance of these dependent states may ~of right do. And for the support of this declaration arass our people, and eat out their~ mmon kindred to disavow these usurpations, wh nor.~ things which independent states may ~of r A prince, whose character is thus m pass laws of immediate~ and pressi mness his invasions on the rights of~ ~~ He has refused to p as made judges dependent on his will alone, for the~ e oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the ~most hum substance.~~ He has kept among us, in times of peace, stan ion in the legislature, a~ right inestimable to them and for g war against us.~~ He has plundered our seas, ravaged our co able, than ~to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which ufferable, than ~to right themselves by abolishing the sions on the rights of~ the people.~~ ht, it is their duty, to throw off eir offices, and the amount and ts:~~ For suspending our own legisla governments long established should not b people ~to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new gove ssolved representative houses repeatedly, for~ opposing with man ar against us.~~ He has plundered our seas, ity which constrains ~them to alter their urpations, which, would inevitably ~interrupt our con established should not be changed ~for light and trans which constrains ~them to alter thei islative powers,~ incapable of annihilati men are created equal, ~that the transient causes; and accordingly all experience nce of these colonies; and such is now the necessity which constra nable rights, that ~among these r ~lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.~ ~ and tyranny, already begun with circums uch principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to ~them sh e ~same object evinces a design to r ese are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure ~the has forbidden his governors to pass laws of immediate~ and pressin ng them, by mock trial, from punishment for~ any murde ost barbarous ages,~ and totally unworthy of the h lute tyranny over these ~states. To prove For cutting off our trade with all parts of the guinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce ~in the necessity, which deno tyrants only. ~~ He has called toget ce, contract alliances, establish ~commerce, and to do all other act andid world.~~ He has refused his .~~Nor have we been wanting in attention risdiction over us. We have reminded them of the er, and to ~assume among the powers of the earth, the giance to the British Crown, relinquish the right of representation in the legislature, a~ righ se character is thus marked by every act which ~may define a tyrant, i been answered only by ~repeat nd the amount and payment of their~ salaries.~~ He has erec ers in such form, as to ~them shall seem most likely to effe , as to ~them shall seem most likely to effect th is declaration, with a firm reliance ~on the protection of Divine Provide t for introducing the~ same absolute rule in these col suffer, while evils are sufferable, than ~to right themselves ould~ relinquish the right of representation in e oppressions we have petitioned for redress in the ~mos ted colonies are, and of right ou ect evinces a design to reduce t s invasions on the rights of ulation of these~ states; for that purpose obstructing of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to e t us, and has~ endeavored to bring on the inhabitants of able rights, that ~among these are life, liberty For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of t d declaring~ themselves invested with power to legislate t object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these ~stat ge of the world for ~the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the n ature.~~ He has affected to render the military independent nt, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.~~Nor have we been itude of new offices, and sent hither~ swarms of these~ states; for cause others to be elected; whereby the legislative power hich denounces our separation, and hold them, as we hold ~th ernment. The history of the present ~King of Great Britain is a his er.~~ He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction~ lation:~~ For quartering la hem, a decent respect ~to the opinions of mankind requi n these colonies:~~ For taking away our char ers, abolishing our most val ed a multitude of new offices, an urisdiction over us. We have reminded them o e legislature, a~ right inest f these states:~~ For cutting off our trade with all part to extend an ~unwarrantable jurisdiction over us enlarging its boundaries so as to render it~ minded them of the ~circumstances of our e terms: our repeated petitions have b orms of our~ governments:~~ For suspending our own leg ~ and pressing importance, unless suspended in their~ operati es~ without the consent of our legislature.~~ He has affecte n the rights of~ the people.~~ He has refused for a long ti tive on the~ high seas to bear arms against their country, other our ~lives, our fortunes and our sacred h nces our separation, and hold them, as us, and has~ endeavored to bring on the inhabitants America, in ~General Congress, assembled, appealing to ple.~~ He is at this time transporting large armies of and declaring~ themselves invested with powe f ~government becomes destructive fused to pass other laws for the accommodation~ of large district world for ~the rectitude of our i r right, it is their duty, to throw off such g ure's God entitle them, a decent respect ~to the op to alter their former systems of government. The history of the present invariably the ~same object evinces a design to reduce t and fit instrument for introducing the~ same abso nd~ conditions.~~In every stage of from the consent of the governed. That whenever any een deaf to the ~voice of justice uspending our own legislatures, and declaring~ themselves i at they should declare the causes ~wh otecting them, by mock trial, from punishment fo ghts, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just ~ their legislature to extend an ~unwar ur seas, ravaged our coasts, burned~ our towns, and destroyed th rovince, establishing therein an arbitrary~ governm ging its boundaries so as to render it~ at once an example and fit in ~~~ The Unanimous Declaration of the Thirteen lives, our fortunes and our s He has plundered our seas, ravaged our c as forbidden his governors to pass laws of immedi cumstances of our emigration and settl the causes ~which impel them to the separation.~~We hold these t ruelty~ and perfidy scarcely paralleled in th ur own legislatures, and declaring~ themselves invested wi d magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties ~of the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these ~sta ystem of English laws in a~ neighboring province, e Divine Providence, we mutually pledg ~ tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of th en so~ suspended, he h d that as free and independe ombined with others to subject us lved from all allegiance to the British Crown itude of new offices, and sent hither~ swarms of officers to haras protection and waging war against us.~~ ry, to become the~ executioners of t st, therefore, acquiesce ~in the necessity, which denounc es necessary for one people to ~dissolve the political bands he ~circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We ha bsolute tyranny over these ~st y and happiness. Prudence, ~indeed, will dictate that g of ~government becomes destructive to these ends, it is t ely to effect their safety posed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and vils are sufferable, than ~to right themselves by abolishing t nt respect ~to the opinions of mankind requires that they should decl