Over the years, I have written many posts and articles about the American Revolution and the ideals of the Declaration of Independence. Something else.
This article is an expansion of a similar compendium from last year. This year I will be spending the 4th of July in the UK, which is both appropriate and heretical. This was appropriate because the Enlightenment liberal ideals behind the Declaration were largely British. Heretical because of course the American Revolution was a rebellion against British rule.
I hope these links are useful and stimulate reflection on the principles of the Declaration. Unless otherwise noted, all of these articles are published as posts on the Volokh Conspiracy Blog.
“The Declaration of Independence and the Case for Nonracial Secession,” July 4, 2009.
“The Declaration of Independence and the Case for a Government Based on Universal Principles,” July 4, 2017.
“The Universalist Principle of the Declaration of Independence,” July 4, 2019.
“The Case Against the American Revolution,” July 4, 2019.
“Slavery, the Declaration of Independence, and Frederick Douglass’s ‘What Did the Fourth of July Mean to Slaves?'” July 4, 2020. evil, but also reveals the great good that slavery did.
“Juneteenth and the Universalist Principles of the American Revolution,” June 19, 2021. In fact, the two complement each other.
“Immigration and the Principles of the Declaration of Independence,” July 4, 2021.
“Juneteenth celebrates America’s great achievements,” June 19, 2023.
“The Declaration of Independence promotes individual freedom more than collective self-determination.” July 4, 2023. minority rights.
“The Case Against Nationalism” national affairs, Winter 2024 (with Alex Nowrasteh). This article is a more general critique of nationalism. But there is one part that explains why nationalism is so antithetical to the ideals of the Declaration and Founding.
