In this interview, we interview Dr. Barry Alan Shain about his book The Declaration of Independence in Historical Context. What is the Declaration of Independence, and how does it both fit within and stand out in its context? What were the real “causes” that “impelled” the 13 colonies (now, states) to separate themselves from the British Empire, and what should that mean in how we understand America’s origins – and even America, today? Barry takes us through many of the now largely-neglected debates of the time, as well as some of the evidence that should be considered when telling America’s founding story. Moreover, is it obvious that the American colonists were more on the side of freedom and equality than the British Imperial system? And why should the truth matter when talking about our past and what it means today?

Book: The Declaration of Independence in Historical Context

Other resources by Dr. Barry Shain:

The Myth of American Individualism

The Nature of Rights at the American Founding and Beyond

Other resources:

Peripheries and Center; The Constitutional Origins of the American Revolution by Jack Greene

Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings: An American Controversy by Annette Gordon-Reed

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: Britain and the American Dream by Peter Moore

The Enlightenment by Norman Hampson

John Wilkes: The Scandalous Father of Civil Liberty by Arthur Cash

LDS Resources:

D&C 98; 101.77-80

President John Taylor: JD 23.63

President George Albert Smith

Sample of President Ezra Taft Benson:

-“The Constitution - A Glorious Standard”

-“Our Priceless Heritage”

-“The Constitution - A Heavenly Banner”

-“Our Divine Constitution”

Also see Many Are Called but Few Are Chosen by H. Verlan Andersen