how was the Declaration of independence viewed in its day, as opposed to how the document is viewed today?

Question

any ideas?

How so ?

so far ive come up with
The Declaration of Independence was seen at that time as a way of letting the king know the reason of separating from our mother country. It gave the people a chance to build a culture that they wanted. The writers of the Declaration of Independence wanted to make the Declaration of Independence something that will finally release them of the tyranny of the British throne. They listed the reasons of why they were separating from the British throne as well as laying down the foundations of what their new government would believe in. They viewed the Declaration of Independence as a guide to end unfair government and no representation. The ideas Jefferson announced were rationalizations for the unspoken interest of the colonists and therefore mere afterthoughts for actions already decided upon before the summer of `76

i cant find anything to add to it and i cant find how it is viewed in todays world?

Answer 1

I would say the first Americans viewed it with respect in regard to the original intent of the document, as opposed to a a tool to be used to advance ones own personal agenda. The intent was to free the people from the oppression of the monarchy. It was derived from a political philosophy expressed by John Locke and the Continental philosophers.

All of those who signed it and those who supported the signing of it, knew they were essentially supporting a declaration of war, first and foremost, against the mightiest power of the era. Secondly was the HOPE to free the colonies from tyranny.

Today I believe Americans view it as an inherent right, or an entitlement, and I suspect very few of us understand the gravity of The Document, Much less the price that was paid in order for us to be so entitled.

I invite everyone, American or not, to read this historic and heroic document and put it into context of the time and the consequences thereof. Maybe one of us will actually understand what TRUE adversity means and we can begin to
forget about the trivial issues we deem so important.

http://www.archives.gov/national-archives-experience/charters/declaration_transcript.html

Answer 2

The Declaration of Independence was sacred when it was documented and the present day people are practically trampling on it with their outrageous cries for change in the society.