Pick two of the primary sources and use your knowledge of historical context to put them in conversation with one another. Pay attention both to what they have in common and the points where they diverge.
QUESTION
Pick two of the primary sources and use your knowledge of historical context to put them in conversation with one another.
Pay attention both to what they have in common and the points where they diverge.
Do they tell different parts of the same story, but from different perspectives? Do they take contrasting positions on the same issue? (Again, these are just examples, not an exhaustive list of your options.)
Your paper should have a clear argument and be supported with evidence from both primary sources.
Link for the primary sources:
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5139/
https://avalon.law.yale.edu/20th_century/inch019.asp
https://kinginstitute.stanford.edu/king-papers/documents/beyond-vietnam
https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=3875422
https://fiu.instructure.com/courses/71869/files/10343236/download
ANSWER
A Comparative Analysis of the Declaration of Independence (1776) and The Communist Manifesto (1848): Perspectives on Freedom and Equality
Introduction
The Declaration of Independence (1776) and The Communist Manifesto (1848) are two pivotal primary sources that shaped the course of history. Although they were written in different contexts and for different purposes, both documents address fundamental issues of freedom, equality, and governance. This essay aims to put these two primary sources in conversation with each other, highlighting their commonalities and divergences and examining how they offer contrasting perspectives on these central themes.
Commonalities
Both the Declaration of Independence and The Communist Manifesto share a common concern for the rights and well-being of individuals within society. They both critique existing systems of government and advocate for a change in the status quo. Additionally, both documents highlight the importance of collective action and the need to challenge oppressive systems that infringe upon the rights and dignity of individuals.
Divergences
While the Declaration of Independence emphasizes individual rights and liberties as a means of achieving a just society, The Communist Manifesto prioritizes the collective ownership of resources and the elimination of class distinctions. The Declaration of Independence, with its focus on natural rights and limited government, seeks to establish a framework for individual freedom within a democratic society. On the other hand, The Communist Manifesto argues for the abolition of private property and the establishment of a classless society through proletarian revolution.
Different Perspectives on Freedom and Equality:
The Declaration of Independence champions the concept of natural rights, asserting that all individuals are endowed with inherent rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It advocates for limited government power and the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that fails to secure these rights. In contrast, The Communist Manifesto critiques the capitalist system and highlights the exploitative nature of class divisions. It argues for the redistribution of wealth, collective ownership of means of production, and the establishment of a society where all individuals have equal access to resources and opportunities.
Contrasting Positions on Governance
The Declaration of Independence emphasizes the importance of consent and representation, asserting that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. It promotes the idea of popular sovereignty and a system of government that serves and protects the rights of the people. Conversely, The Communist Manifesto calls for the overthrow of existing governments and the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat. It envisions a revolutionary vanguard that leads the working class towards a communist society.
Conclusion
The Declaration of Independence and The Communist Manifesto are both influential primary sources that address crucial aspects of freedom, equality, and governance. While they share a common concern for the rights and well-being of individuals, they offer different perspectives on achieving a just society. The Declaration focuses on individual rights and limited government, while The Communist Manifesto advocates for collective ownership and the elimination of class distinctions. By comparing and contrasting these primary sources, we gain insights into the diverse visions of society and the paths to social transformation in different historical contexts.
