7. The Declaration of Independence

Date: July 4, 1776
Nationality: American
Author: Thomas Jefferson et al.
Medium: Text

The Declaration of Independence is generally recognized as one of the most important documents in history.  It was crafted by some of the greatest minds of the time, and it led to the creation of a world superpower.  It was based upon the writings of John Locke in it's complaints against the British government.  They had faced taxation when they had no representation in the British parliament.  When denied representation, they recognized the injustice of the British control over the Americas.  Although they were greatly outnumbered, the Americans declared their independence from Britain and continued to fight in the Revolutionary war, proving to the world that America was its own country. I would bring this to our civilization for two major reasons.  First, It shows the ability of a people to learn together.  They all had their own knowledge and experience that they brought together, shared, and then applied to their separation from Britain.  A group learning together can prove to be stronger than an individual.  Second, the Declaration shows the importance of freedom to learning.  The United States was created upon inalienable rights that allowed the country to flourish for centuries.  Because of the freedom in America, learning and creativity has been displayed throughout the two hundred years that have brought the United States to a leading position in the world.