The Declaration of Independence

                 The Declaration of Independence, written by mostly Thomas Jefferson, has been one of the most influential documents ever written.  Its influence goes beyond the shaping of our own country, and remains the basis for many others like it.  Though it is such a remarkable piece, this great work of literature does have its blemishes.  The Declaration of Independence contains a number of propaganda techniques and minor errors in faulty logic including negative labeling, false statements, and exaggerations that are used to promote the cause of freedom in America. 

                Negative labeling, also known as name calling, is the most used propaganda technique in The Declaration of Independence.   Thomas Jefferson refers to the King of England as a “tyrant” and an ignorant king ( Jefferson 122).By using these terms in reference to nobility, Jefferson is tearing down his opponent and backing up his reasons with logical facts.  Name-calling adds to the effect of King George the Third’s mistreatment of America and promotes the cause of freedom in an appealing way to the patriots.  Another negative label that Jefferson places in this important piece of literature is on the Indians.  He refers to them as “merciless Indian savages” which also promotes the idea that the Americans are doing the right thing, while the Indians are causing so much trouble.   (Jefferson 124). This also comes from a negative view of the natives due to constant struggle for desired land between the opposing factions.

                False statements are another propaganda technique that is used to make The Declaration of Independence more appealing.  These instances are not direct lies, but they do not tell the full truth either   (Recognizing 1). The most apparent example of this is within the first few lines where Jefferson states “that all men are created equal”.  Although many Americans would like to believe this, our society proves that this is not the case.  The same was true for Americans back in the late eighteenth century also.  The upper and middle class have always dominated government.  Everyone may have the right to vote, but the treatment of various groups is very different.  By adding this statement into The Declaration of Independence, Jefferson gained the support of the lower classes by promising them equality.  Though equality still has not occurred, it has become much closer since the colonial times. 

                Exaggerations are the final propaganda technique and errors in faulty logic that is recognized in The Declaration of Independence.  Thomas Jefferson used these literary devices to emphasize his point and make English rule in America look worse than it was.  An example of this is Jefferson’s explanation of why England changed the government of Canada.  By “establishing therein an arbitrary government, and enlarging its boundaries, so as to render it at once an example  and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these colonies” (Jefferson 124).  Threatening America was not the sole reason that Canada’s form of government changes, so Jefferson was exaggerating his point to make the English look like the enemy.  All the exaggerations that he uses are slight so they fit into the Declaration well, and do not take away from the overall argument. 

                Propaganda techniques and sources of faulty errors in logic like exaggerations, false statements, and name-calling, are spread throughout The Declaration of Independence.  All of these examples are only seen in subtle locations and are used to increase the impact and appeal of this work of American literature.  The Declaration of Independence has long been one of the most important documents written by an American, and will remain to be because of its power and guaranteed rights to all people. 

Jefferson, Thomas. "The Declaration of Independence." Glencoe Literature. Columbus: McGraw-Hill, 2009. 120-24. Print.

"Recognizing Propaganda Techniquesand Errors of Faulty Logic." Recognizing Propaganda--Guide to Critical Thinking--Academic Support. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Sept. 2012. <http://academic.cuesta.edu/acasupp/as/404.htm>.