Taxation was not the only reason the colonists declared their independence from Britain, but it was certainly a factor, according to Bill McClay.

"Americans believed in self-government because they lived self-government," says McClay, the Victor Davis Hansen Chair in classical history and western civilization at Hillsdale College. The colonist's desire to maintain self government played a critical role in the decision to declare independence, according to McClay.

The Declaration of Independence served as a "press release to the world," McClay says, adding that the document laid out the "what" and "why" of the revolution, but was "much more than that."

On July 4th, McClay says Americans "can say, our national birthday commences with this document that expresses these very high and noble imperishable sentiments. 'All men are created equal endowed by their creator with unalienable rights.'"

McClay joins "The Daily Signal Podcast" for the first episode of a three part series celebrating Independence Day and discussing America's founding.

Enjoy the show!

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