The Making of the American Mind

Thomas Jefferson called the Declaration of Independence “an expression of the American mind.” Not merely a document, the Declaration is the common creed of our civic life, and it inspires the shared poetry of our political soul. In The Making of the American Mind, best-selling author Matthew Spalding presents the dynamic story of the band of patriots who united to declare independence from—and declare war against—the most powerful nation in the world. He recounts the whirlwind of historic events that led up to the momentous political and strategic decisions of July 1776: from George Washington leading a new and untested army, to John Adams and Thomas Jefferson advocating independence in a divided Continental Congress, to George III forging an absolute tyranny over “the good People of these Colonies.” In this unique commentary, Spalding recovers the deep roots of the Declaration of Independence by examining the influence of the Greeks and Romans, the Christian West, and the English constitutional tradition on the American mind. Reading through the Declaration clause by clause, he explores the rich history and profound significance of the document’s powerful language and arguments—from the “Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God,” “all men are created equal,” and the “pursuit of happiness” to “prudence will dictate” and “abuses and usurpations.” Based on extensive, original research, the work presents in vivid detail the heroic deeds of those who pledged “our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor” to support the Declaration. America cannot be appreciated without an understanding of the Declaration of Independence. Spalding’s dramatic retelling and thorough explanation of the Declaration’s making and meaning will capture the heart and instruct the mind of every reader.