What phrase begins the Declaration of Independence, the founding document at the heart of America250?
Answer
When in the Course of human events
The Declaration of Independence begins with the phrase “When in the Course of human events.”
The opening sentence introduces the document’s explanation for separating from another political power. It says that when events make separation necessary, a people should explain the causes that compel them to take that step. The famous wording gives the document a universal, reasoned opening rather than starting with a direct military statement.
The next section presents principles about equality, rights, government, and the people’s authority to alter or abolish destructive government. Congress retained the structure of Jefferson’s opening while editing the draft before adoption.
This phrase is often confused with openings from other famous American texts. “We the People” begins the Constitution, “Four score and seven years ago” begins Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Patrick Henry’s liberty phrase comes from a 1775 speech.