Question

The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

The document then goes on to list a series of charges that denounce British rule of the American colonies. In the context of the Declaration of Independence, what does the author mean by “candid world”? What effect does this word choice have on the rhetoric as well as the intended audience of the text?

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

In the context of the Declaration of Independence, the phrase "candid world" refers to an impartial, objective, and unbiased audience that is capable of evaluating the evidence presented and making a fair judgment. The word "candid" is used here to emphasize the importance of honesty, transparency, and fairness in the evaluation of the charges against the British monarch.

The word choice has a significant impact on the rhetoric and intended audience of the text. By addressing the "candid world," the author suggests that the Declaration is not merely a local or national document, but rather an appeal to universal principles of justice and human rights that are applicable to all people. This broadens the intended audience beyond the American colonies and invites the rest of the world to judge the actions of the British monarch and to support the American cause.

Furthermore, the use of the phrase "candid world" also implies that the author believes that the British monarchy and its supporters are not capable of being impartial or fair in their evaluation of the situation. This suggests that the author sees the conflict as a moral struggle between good and evil, and that the Declaration is an appeal to the higher values of humanity rather than a negotiation or compromise.