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5 - Law and American Power

from Part I - American Power in the Modern Era

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 November 2021

Brooke L. Blower
Affiliation:
Boston University
Andrew Preston
Affiliation:
University of Cambridge
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Summary

In 1775 Benjamin Franklin reflected on the precarious existence of thirteen colonies that sought independence in a world of empires. “[T]he circumstances of a rising State,” he observed, “make it necessary frequently to consult the law of nations.”1 Other founders agreed. This is why the first paragraph of the Declaration of Independence makes an appeal to “the powers of the earth” and offers “a decent respect to the opinions of mankind.” In order to survive, flourish, and attract foreign support, a fledgling nation needed to observe the existing rules of international law.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2022

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