The Declaration of Independence: words that changed the world (The Manifesto Series)

From the final decades of the eighteenth century to the present day, a relatively few social and political documents have been written and circulated, then have gone on to change the course of human history. The Manifesto Series surveys some of those documents, presents an account of each manifesto�s immediate impact, then explains how and why its influence spread to a wider audience. Brief and concisely written, each title in this series makes engrossing reading and provides readers with insights into the dynamics of modern history. Each title in this series is enhanced with approximately 70 color illustrations. This book presents America�s Declaration of Independence in its entirety with extensive commentary and analysis by Ms. Driver. Largely the work of Thomas Jefferson in cooperation with other statesmen in Colonial America, The Declaration of Independence repudiated the European doctrine that had proclaimed the divine right of kings, announced the separation of 13 of England�s North American colonies from their mother country, set off the American Revolutionary War, and within a few years led to the foundation of the United States of America. In 1789, it also helped to inspire the French Revolution, which brought down the French monarchy.

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Books in the Manifesto series clearly and succinctly explain the background to documents that have changed global history. Each title looks at the context in which a manifesto was produced and presents either the full text or significant excerpts. The document’s immediate impact is assessed, with explanation of how and why its influence spread to a wider audience. Short and to the point, the books in this series make engrossing reading and give readers insights into the dynamics of modern history.





The Declaration of Independence is the spiritual cornerstone of the United States, proudly displayed with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in the National Archives. Ironically, at the time of its composition its authors had no such ambitions. It was essentially a press release, composed to spread the word that the Continental Congress had voted for independence. The document is a masterful piece of prose, as well as a radical text that foreshadowed the birth of a nation. Manifesto: Words that Changed the World reproduces the Declaration, as it was written, with a complete listing of its signers. Informative text by Stephanie Schartz Driver examines its historical context and worldwide repercussions.



Titles in this series:


Civil Disobedience


The Communist Manifesto


The Declaration of Independence


Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring