“Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence”
By Russell Freedman.
Holiday House, New York, 2000, 90 pages, Grades 6 and higher
The Fourth of July is a day of national celebration in the United States. There are parades, picnics and fireworks on this day. Known also as “Independence Day,” July 4th draws upon the hopes and promises articulated by Thomas Jefferson at the nation’s founding.
The history and circumstances leading to this day are eloquently captured in Russell Freedman’s masterful account of the events leading up to the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution. The name of this excellent work is “Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence.”
North America was settled centuries ago by Native American tribes. When the Pilgrims arrive in Massachusetts, there is already a thriving society present. But devastating diseases and wars reduce the power of these native nations. European settlers continue arriving in increasing numbers and begin dominating the 13 colonies Great Britain has established in North America.
In their weakened state, the colonies rely on British power to keep them free from attacks of European countries such as France. The colonies grow in strength as time passes, and England doesn’t or won’t recognize this new state of affairs. Eventually, British heavy handedness becomes unbearable. The question isn’t that the taxes imposed by England are financially devastating, the question is why can’t the colonists decide which taxes are just? And why can’t the colonies have representation in the British Parliament?
Unfortunately, King George III, the reigning monarch, treats the colonists like disobedient children. He fails to see that the colonists only desire the “rights of all Englishmen.” The king obstinately clings to the idea that he knows best and the colonists must obey his will. This leads to a series of conflicts and battles that begin the American Revolution.
Freedman details the many intricacies of the writing of the Declaration of Independence. He also discusses the contradictions in the ideas and actions of some of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson, the author of the document, is a slave owner. Obviously, slaves do not have the “Unalienable Rights” espoused in the document. Women will not receive the right to vote until the 19th amendment is approved in 1920.
The genius of Freedman’s writing is that he sees where the Declaration of Independence will ultimately lead. All of the American political gains made subsequently owe their birth to the ideas enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration has evolved and served as a building block for the finest part of American democracy. Because of this, the Declaration of Independence is a living document that still informs us today about the values of liberty and freedom.
Russell Freedman (1929-2018) spent his life writing several dozen brilliant biographies of famous individuals and regular people as well as numerous other books. Freedman’s book, “Lincoln: A Photobiography,” won the Newbery Medal in 1988 as the book making the “most distinguished contribution to children’s literature that year.” He is known to have stated that readers will see the greatness of people by showing how they overcame personal hardships and problems. His writing is celebrated, and I hope you get a chance to read this outstanding book, “Give Me Liberty! The Story of the Declaration of Independence.”
