Kyle Erickson 1700-026 03/21/2013

The Founding of the Republic July 4, 1776 will forever be one of the most important days in American history. On this day, the United States of America was founded. These United States were destined to become one of the most powerful nations in the world. This success can be attributed to the principles and ideals that laid the foundations for independence. Many colonists in America did not have particularly fond feelings towards England. Many had fled persecution and unfair treatment enacted by the King and Parliament. This strained relationship finally broke after continued taxing and unpopular policies put in place by England on the colonials. The 13 established colonies rebelled and formed a union to fight for their independence. The congress formed by this union was made up of delegates from each of the 13 colonies. Many of these delegates were men who believed in the equality of man, natural rights, and the importance of freedom. They spent much of their time studying philosophy, history, and science. The influence of their research can be clearly seen in the founding documents of the United States. Many of the founding fathers of the United States were part of what is called, The New Enlightenment. This movement promoted rational thinking and the use of science to create a better society. In fact, the founding fathers deliberately

designed the new country before it was even established. The nation was based largely on John Locke and Charles Montesquieus ideas of unalienable rights and a limited government. The books published by these men provided the framework for a government limited in power, and beholden to its citizens. Combining this government structure with the capitalist economic policies dreamed up by Adam Smith, and the separation of church and state allowed for a free society in which a man was able to improve his standing within society. Once the United States was finally established, each state created a separate constitution. This led to many disagreements about the function of the federal government in everyday affairs. Some states felt that the federal government should hold more power, others that there should be little or no central government. There were also disagreements concerning the economic system of capitalism and the free market. These disagreements raised the question of equality once more as states decided who should have the right to vote. Over our nations relatively short history, we have been able to come to terms on some of these disagreements on the founding principles. However, many more of the original ideals seem to have been twisted or misinterpreted, and now cause many issues in our modern society. Capitalism no longer resembles the original vision expressed by Adam Smith. Corporations hold power and influence over the government. Compounding this problem, many of our government officials seem to be working more for profit than for the good of the nation and its citizens. This new system has served to limit the ability of the average American to truly succeed and thrive as was originally intended.

These changes in ideals over time have not been all bad however. The original meaning of equality was not the same equality we know today. Nonwhites and women were not considered equal in the United States even after the constitution was written. Through war and protests, this issue has been largely overcome. Today we enjoy universal suffrage, where all citizens have the right to vote. Of course, there is room for improvement as far as equality is concerned. Equal rights continues to be a struggle for many Americans, but I am hopeful that one day we will all be free at last.