Divided Over the Declaration by David J. Bobb and Tony Williams is a thorough and easy-to-read analysis of what makes us Americans through the trials and tribulations of debating the very document that gives essence to the American Spirit.
Starting with the often misunderstood speech by Frederick Douglas – “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” where Douglas rails against the country’s unequal status and then venerates the Founders for their brilliance, hoping the country would live up to those standards. Then explaining the circumstances surrounding the Continental Congress and the final break with England through the Declaration of Independence and the intention of the word “men” and what liberty and natural rights meant in the context of humanity.
Then weaving through the great divide of slavery in our country and the juxtaposition of views between Lincoln and the Southern leaders, such as Andrew Stevens and his Cornerstone Speech or John Calhoun’s views on states’ rights, while also moving through the abolitionist and women’s movement with their competing views on liberty and equality. Moving on to the Late 19th century and the perceived imperialist movements then on to the various movements with the 20th century culminating with the Civil Rights movement and the differences between progressives and conservatives, Bobbs and Williams make a compelling argument on the debate over the Declaration, how it is viewed, and why that debate continues to matter today and contributes to the continuation of our Founder’s beliefs that to be a free people, we must continue to learn, education and understand where our country comes from.
This was never a “zero-sum” document, as they note, but rather a call to live up to the principles of liberty, equality, and the consent of the governed for all people, not just a select group. This book should be required reading in every history or government class at the high school and college levels. Its truth is undeniable and explains the American Spirit nearly as perfectly as the words Jefferson penned 250 years ago.
