The Declaration of Independence and the American Economy for Americans
The rhetoric surrounding the declaration of independence continues to resonate as strongly today as it did back in July 1776.
When it becomes necessary for one people to break away from another and establish themselves with equal standing among the world’s powers, a respectful explanation is required regarding the reasons that led to their separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident. All individuals are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
The boldness of the argument for American independence lies in its principles on humanity and governance, articulated with remarkable clarity by Thomas Jefferson. This simplicity has made the Declaration one of history’s most recognizable political texts. Walt Whitman expressed it beautifully when he said, “Essentially, America itself is the greatest poem.” And indeed, the Declaration embodies this idea from the outset.
27 Wounds That Justified Our Revolution
Jefferson and the early leaders of the American Revolution didn’t just establish broad democratic principles in the Declaration. They identified specific grievances against the British government that justified their revolutionary acts, citing the wrongs experienced by the American colonies. The list of “Injury and Usurpation”, although not often highlighted, is vital for understanding America’s essence.
Out of the 27 grievances, four relate to economic issues. The Founding Fathers argued that Britain had kept the colonies “economically dependent” by restricting control over immigration, settlement, trade, and taxation. They claimed that British officials profited from their toil while disrupting their business efforts.
“He has sought to prevent the populations of these states from interfering with the naturalization laws of aliens.”
“He is creating a number of new offices and sending swarms of officials to harass the people…to gut them.”
“To cut off trade with all parts of the world”
“For imposing taxes on us without our consent.”
The economic causes that animated the founders—such as controlling taxes, immigration, and trade—still resonate today. The Declaration of July Fourth serves as both an assertion of political independence and a statement of economic independence.
These grievances reveal that American colonists realized they couldn’t rely on distant authorities to formulate sound economic policies that encouraged growth. They had to stop being colonized and embrace their identity as Americans. Essentially, it marked a declaration of both economic and political sovereignty—putting America first in the governance and economy of each state.
Just as Britain resisted this declaration in 1776, the United States encounters similar challenges today: international opposition to our independence. Many globally—and quite a few domestically—view our patriotic independence as unjust or outdated, calling for a re-establishment of economic dependence and requiring adherence to an international “rules-based” order that undermines our control over borders. While they may not be dispatching redcoats, the sentiment is one of submitting our interests and freedoms.
A central grievance—number 14 out of 27—complains about Britain “quartering a large armed group among us.” For the founding generation, this “quartering” entailed the distressing mingling of soldiers with civilians, forcing citizens to house and support military personnel. It signified a violation of property rights and a stark reminder of the lack of sovereignty. This grievance sits at the heart of their list because our ancestors believed overcoming colonial dependence involved freeing ourselves from foreign domination.
Rebels and Castaways Declare Independence
Examining the second half of the less-remembered Declaration reveals something deeper. The list of “injuries and usurpations” itself highlights the promise of the American economy. It does not belong to outsiders who try to control us. Our governance and economy should ensure that our lives and property are ours. The Declaration affirms that we are not meant to serve a superior class but to exist as equals.
Herman Melville touched on this concept in Moby Dick, where the narrator reflects on why his book attributes significance to “the meanest sailors, rebels, and castaways.” He articulates that this noble essence is not that of a king but something far richer; it shines through those who labor with hands. This democratic essence emanates from God Himself in every individual’s effort.
It’s a theme we’ve carried throughout history: “I wonder why we can’t do that across the board. Get rid of the cops who aren’t our people. We’ll all work together for our own ends,” says Tom Joad in John Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath.
On Independence Day, we’re reminded that the struggle to remove or lock out those not aligned with our interests is never wholly resolved. Each generation must “start over.”
The Declaration of Independence transcends mere political dissent against monarchy—it signifies an economic revolt against imperial dependence. The colonists resisted being denied control over the fundamental conditions for prosperity: immigration, land development, tax policy, and the weight of imperial governance. We’ve asserted that this nation of rebels and castaways deserves an equal status among global nations. In contemporary terms, the economics behind the Declaration reflects the idea of “America First,” asserting Americans’ right to lead their economy for their own success.
