On first glance, the Declaration of Independence is brief, given the significance of its purpose and argument. The base text consists of 1,337 words including the title. It lists 27 grievances stemming from government misconduct, military tyranny, economic and legal oppression, and active warfare waged King George III against his own subjects. Perhaps because of its singular importance, it’s easy to focus on its meaning in isolation from the events of the time and our own time.

​

Michael T. Gibbons, Ph.D., retired professor of Political Science at USF, suggests that taken phrase by phrase, in its historical context, there is much more packed into the document. In addition to declaring independence, it seeks to justify revolt, unite the colonies and define the purpose of government. It thus claims a world historical significance beyond the political purposes, interests, and well-being of its authors and the citizens for whom it speaks.

​