Talk:United States Declaration of Independence/GA1

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Reviewer:

WP:FOUR) 21:18, 1 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
]

I hope this is interesting. I am reviewing it to learn some details.--
WP:FOUR) 21:18, 1 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
]
WP:LEAD
Background
Toward independence
  • I don't know what the sources say, but logic seems to suggest that "one colonial government would need to specifically instruct its delegation to propose a declaration of independence in Congress" should read something like "one colonial government would need to specifically instruct (or grant permission for) its delegation to propose a declaration of independence in Congress". I.e., it seems possible that during the course of debate representatives might be permitted to initiate a declaration. Not sure though.
  • It is not clear to me how Congress relates to the prior terms First and Second Continental Congress. Is there a link for the Congress that you are now referring to?
  • Richard Henry Lee should be linked on first use. Not second.
  • You need to explain or link exigencies.--
    WP:FOUR) 22:22, 2 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
    ]
  • The term Royal Governor needs a link.--
    WP:FOUR) 05:47, 3 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
    ]
Text
Influences
Signing
  • "Fifty-six delegates eventually signed the Declaration." should come earlier in the section. It may belong as the first sentence of the section, but if not a first paragraph placement would be good.--
    WP:FOUR) 05:37, 3 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
    ]
History of the documents
Legacy
Influence in other countries
Revival of interest
  • "had lost none of its relevance" doesn't really make a proper statement about its relevance.
  • "But the Declaration would have its most prominent influence on the debate over slavery." should be cited. It also belongs as an introductory statement in the next section rather than here.--
    WP:FOUR) 00:10, 4 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
    ]
Slavery and the Declaration
  • Thomas Day seems to be making a statement about Jefferson or other patriots and signers who owned slaves. Please clearly explain his statement.
  • "From this time forward, defenders of slavery, from John Randolph in the 1820s to John C. Calhoun in the 1840s" presents a confusing time period to the reader.--
    WP:FOUR) 00:19, 4 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
    ]
here
for what they are not)

This is clearly the result of a lot of scholarly research. With a few minor changes, it will be a GA.

  1. It is reasonably well written.
    a (prose): b (
    lists
    )    :
  2. It is factually accurate and verifiable.
    a (references): b (citations to
    reliable sources): c (OR
    ):
  3. It is broad in its coverage.
    a (major aspects): b (focused):
    The article could benefit from the British historical perspective
  4. It follows the
    neutral point of view
    policy    .
    Fair representation without bias:
    I think this is written from the American perspective. I pointed out in the review of the
    WP:LEAD
    that this article might be written without regard to the British perspective.
  5. It is stable.
    No edit wars, etc.:
  6. It is illustrated by images, where possible and appropriate.
    a (images are tagged and non-free images have
    suitable captions
    )    :
    I will have to review the images
    Images are all tagged correctly. Two
    WP:FOUR) 23:32, 10 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
    ]
  7. Overall:
    Pass/Fail:
    I could require some British perspective, but I am not sure what is out there and a bit is incorporated. Not enough is truly included for me to believe this is ready for FA, but it serves the purpose for most history students. With a few changes I think it will be GA quality.--
    WP:FOUR) 02:24, 4 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
    ]
I have been informed that there may be a new editor taking over the nomination in the absence of a
WP:FOUR) 12:32, 8 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
]
I just saw this today. I am willing to take over this nomination. I will look over the suggestions and make improvements. – Quadell (talk) 17:18, 10 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Hancock's signature

I have added information on the signing of the Declaration. According to the State Department, Hancock signed the Declaration on July 4, 1776. This would make that act legally binding on July 4 since Hancock was the President of the Continental Congress. Cmguy777 (talk) 23:55, 9 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Summary of new substitute nominator

I've addressed all the itemized concerns above. I'm afraid I don't have the ability to do a thorough reword to make sure the British perspective is adequately given. It looks good to me as I read it, but then again, I'm a yank. I know the stuff against King George was quite slanted, but that's the nature of the document, and I understand

old George doesn't have many admirers in England either. I hope it's up to GA standard at this point! – Quadell (talk) 18:37, 10 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
]

Okay, I see your feedback. We're very close. I think I can get all those finalized today. – Quadell (talk) 12:05, 11 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I've made my second round of fixes. Let me know what you think. – Quadell (talk) 13:24, 11 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks Quadell for your contributions to the article. Cmguy777 (talk) 20:09, 11 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Signing controversy

Before going to good article I believe there needs to be some discussion on the signing controversy. Wills relies on an 1884 State Department investigation. The 1911 State Department states Hancock signed the Declaration, not the Parchment copy, on July 4. I believe this is crucial in terms of deciding when the United States became independent. Is Wills reliable? I have read the source page. Seems to be he does not believe Hancock signed on July 4. Cmguy777 (talk) 20:14, 11 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

I am glad there is agreement on the signing controversy. I just believe that from an American standpoint there needs to be some clarification as to when the United States became independent. From what I understand, Hancock and others signed the Declaration on July 4, 1776. Copies were made and passed around states to be read by the military officers or legislators. Then a special Parchment copy was made that many signed on August 2, 1776. That would mean Hancock signed twice on July 4, and then on August 2. Cmguy777 (talk) 03:32, 12 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I do not have any objections on making this a good article. Cmguy777 (talk) 03:34, 12 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]
Coemgenus (talk) might have some opinion on the matter of the Declaration signing controversy. Cmguy777 (talk) 03:36, 12 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]
I am going to pass it as it is.--
WP:FOUR) 04:46, 12 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
]
Thanks TonyTheTiger for giving the U.S. Declaration article GA status. Cmguy777 (talk) 15:34, 12 August 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Good work everybody. I was off-wiki while this was going on, so I'm glad to see that people worked on this even after the original nominator vanished. Drinks all around. —

Myers 03:38, 16 August 2011 (UTC)[reply
]

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