How Did Marxist Critique Of The Declaration Of Independence

The Declaration of Independence, a foundational document of liberal democracy, adopts principles of equality, freedom, and natural rights. Yet underneath its lofty ideals lies a socio-economic context that Marxist analysis reveals. Karl Marx’s historical commercialism provides a framework to critique the Declaration’s claims and purposes, which highlights its function as a tool to carry on bourgeois dominance. This essay dives deep into the Marxist critique of the Declaration of Independence, employing historical materialism to unravel its rudimentary functions and goals. By analyzing different historical records, it shows the validity of Marx’s criticism and looks into whether liberal rights contribute to the development of capitalism or reduce the disparities and
In a shortened and more simple way of stating this, he essentially states that the problems in society were mainly because of money. The oppressed class is those who labor to produce the goods and services needed and wanted in everyone’s day to day lives. Applying this framework to the Declaration of Independence shows its own bourgeois objectives and origins. Marx would view the Declaration’s main goal as legitimizing the bourgeois revolution against the British colonial rule, while also ensuring that capitalist power is brought together. The rhetoric of equality and freedom serves to summon support from the masses, obscuring the class’s interests, propelling the revolution as a whole. In addition, the Declaration’s condemnation of King George III’s tyranny conveniently overlooks the apparent tyranny of the capital. This is a driving factor of exploitation and inequality for the majority. The Constitution’s provisions, such as the Senate and the Electoral College, reflect bourgeois interests looking to continue political