Which sentence in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence indicates that the colonists did not wish to remain hostile

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Which sentence in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence indicates that the colonists did not wish to remain hostile

toward Great Britain in the future? In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

English

2 answers:

Naddik [7.5K] · Answer 1 · 2026-02-23T03:23:32+03:00

Answer:

The concluding point, "We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends."

Explanation:

The final sentence from this piece of the Declaration of Independence shows the colonists' intent to avoid future hostility with Great Britain.

ddd [7.4K] · Answer 2 · 2026-02-23T03:26:19+03:00

Answer:

Indeed, the last line of the passage serves as the answer: We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

Explanation:

This passage begins by expressing the untenable nature of Britain's relationship with America. It asserts that America's efforts to appeal to Britain's kindness and generosity have been disregarded. Consequently, America has a responsibility to proclaim its independence. However, the closing sentence conveys a spirit of kindness - perhaps the same kind of kindness America sought but never received - indicating that hostility is unnecessary. Should Britain desire war, the two nations shall be enemies; if peace can be achieved, they will be friends. Thus, America will not permanently see Britain as a foe unless it becomes essential, which is not preferred.