Liberty and Equality Essay

The principles of liberty and equality are what led the States to be the great country it is today. Those terms would not be as significant if Thomas Jefferson, George cap, Abraham capital of Nebraska, and many other founders of our country did not embrace those themes and take for granted them from the Europeans. The strong belief in liberty and equality led this nation to adhere to those standards set by the great transmiters above. Without liberty, equality, and those who fought for the interest group of these ideals, smell in the States would not be the same. The great leaders who helped run liberty and equality to America did not create these concepts they were adopted from the European countries that were withal fighting for equality and liberty. William Russell claims that the idea was not formed in America. He states, The climate of America did not breed liberty, nor did its geography cherish equality (Russell 55). Even though the idea might not reserve come from Thomas Jefferson himself, he was still instrumental in the fundamental law of American values and the implementation of democratic ideals in America. Jefferson strongly believed that every citizen deserved to be equal. He did not like the fact that some(a) slew had more rights than others, because this implied that not everyone in America was the same. Jefferson had the perfect opportunity to express his feeling and he did when he helped draft the resoluteness of independence, Jefferson wanted to make sure that no groups rights were limited. Jefferson also highlighted the immensity of everyones ability to pursue their own ambitions, by stating that we all be in possession of unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, intimacy and the pursuit of Happiness (The Declaration 7). This recital has become iconic because of its messageanyone can and should be able to take up their dreams. This step was crucial in the formation of Americas democracy. Similarly, George Washingt on upheld the values of liberty and equality by citing views comparable to Jeffersons. Washington beef up his argument when he included the notion of gods inter-group communication in the success and the happiness ofthe people in America. In his initial Inaugural Address, he expresses to the people that the Almighty Being has the power and the pull up stakes to heal all defected pieces and to bring happiness to every human being in this country. Washington asks that gods Benediction whitethorn consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people in the United States a brass instituted by themselves for these essential purposes (First Inauguration 44). Washington believed in the importance of God in guiding citizens toward a thriving government and nation, which he believed would lead to the happiness of the American people. He states the significance of sticking to rules placed by the Almighty, because the nation that follows the rules of Heaven will receive smiles.Like W ashington, Abraham capital of Nebraska also matt-up that God was an influential Almighty Being, who could help America run into its longtime goals of Liberty and Equality. Lincoln wanted everyonefrom the slaves to the slave ownersto be in an equal nation under God. He expressed these archetypes in the The Gettysburg Address. In this speech, he explains that the current well-mannered War was being fought to preserve the idea of total equality, and to abolish the institution of slavery. Lincoln states that the nation under God Shall have a new birth of freedom (Gettysburg 93). The wars purpose, to settle a longstanding dispute between the North and the South, evolved from Lincolns desire to rid the nation of slavery. Both Washington and Lincoln believed everyoneincluding African Americans, women, and any other marginalized grouphad the right to freedom. Likewise, Henry David Thoreaus essay Civil Disobedience expresses his thoughts and feelings about laws set by the government. Thor eau explains the place of liberty and equality in America differently than Washington and Lincoln. He decides against using God as a persuasive tool. Instead, he encourages people to stand up to the government and disobey the laws they feel are denying umpire to certain people. Thoreau believed that to fight a law in a accomplished way, you must Cast your whole vote, not a stripe of piece merely, but your whole influence (Civil Disobedience 9). He suggests that if one mortal expresses his or her idea of justice, more people may speak up and fight back. He believed this would lead to the governments forced abidance with more just acts of liberty and equality. Martin Luther fagot Jr. took Thoreaus ideas to heart. He very famously stood up to laws he believed were unjust during the Civil Rights movement. He fought a very longtime to bring a greater level of equality to America, especially for African American people. female monarch felt that liberty and equality had been denied too long for African Americans. He expresses that thought in a letter from his jail cell in Birmingham. King writes, We have waited for more than 340 years for our constitutional and God given rights (King Web). Kings frustration led him to believe that his best option was what Thoreau describes cultivated disobedience. Ultimately, Kings pursuit of liberty and equality proved incredibly worthwhile his acts of civil disobedience changed the landscape of American culture.Throughout history, America has had great leaders of all backgrounds and religions. This diversity has strengthened our desire and pursuit of equality and liberty for all. Each great leader, writer, and thinker has workd to the molding of America as a democratic land. Each person encouraged others to contribute to their cause, resulting in a country where liberty and equality have really become a group effort.Works CitedJefferson, Thomas. Declaration Of Independence. The Declaration of Independence and separate G reat Documents of American History, 1775-1865. Ed. John Grafton. Mineola, NY Dover Publications, 2000. 5-9. Print. King, Martin L., Jr. earn from a Birmingham Jail King, Jr.. Letter. 16 Apr. 1963.Letter from a Birmingham Jail King, Jr.. University of Pennsylvania, n.d. Web. 31 Mar. 2014. . Lincoln, Abraham. The Gettysburg Address. 1863. The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History, 1775-1865. Ed. John Grafton. Mineola, NY Dover Publications, 2000. 92-93. Print. Thoreau, H. D. Civil disobedience. Civil disobedience, and other essays (pp. 1-18). New York Dover Publications. Print. (Original work published 1849) Russell, William Fletcher. Liberty vs. Equality. New York Macmillan, 1936. 54-55. Print. Washington, George. George Washington First Inauguration Address. The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History, 1775-1865. Mineola, NY Dover Publications, 2000. 43-46. Print.