Read the excerpt from the conclusion of the Declaration of Independence. “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Why does Jefferson conclude with this statement? to soften the impact of this document so that more readers agree with it to leave an opening for future negotiations with the British to show colonial support for the document and the willingness to fight for independence to influence other nations in their own struggles for independence
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is: to show colonial support for the document and the willingness to fight for independence.
Thomas Jefferson’s conclusion of the Declaration of Independence, with the pledge to support the Declaration “with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence,” and the mutual pledge of “our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor,” reflects the seriousness and determination of the American colonies in declaring their independence from Great Britain. This final statement serves several purposes, but its primary goal is to demonstrate the commitment of the signers to the cause of independence and to convey their readiness to fight for it, even at great personal cost.
By stating that they pledge their “Lives,” the signers emphasize that they are willing to risk their own personal safety in the pursuit of freedom. The reference to “Fortunes” highlights that they are also prepared to sacrifice their wealth, acknowledging the financial and material costs of the struggle. “Sacred Honor” reflects their integrity and reputation—by signing the Declaration, they are binding themselves to a cause that will forever shape their legacies.
This conclusion also signals to the rest of the world, particularly European powers, that the colonies are unified in their decision to break away from British rule. It reinforces the idea that this is not a temporary or half-hearted rebellion, but a deliberate and committed movement towards establishing an independent nation. The language used portrays the signers as courageous individuals, willing to endure the consequences of their actions, which would serve to inspire others in similar situations seeking independence or autonomy.
Moreover, this pledge is an expression of solidarity among the colonies. It suggests that the struggle for independence is not an individual or isolated effort but a collective, unified cause that the signers are willing to defend at all costs. This sets the tone for the revolutionary struggle that would follow and serves as a rallying cry for those who would continue to fight for the ideals expressed in the Declaration.